Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists there was no "pact" with Atletico Madrid preventing them from signing Antoine Griezmann.
The France attacker left Atleti this summer for Barcelona in a record 120m deal.
At Real's General Assembly, Florentino was asked if a mooted 'non-hostility pact' between clubs stopped them from competing for Griezmann's signature.
The president replied: "Griezmann? Regarding transfers, I think that the sentimentalism of being from the cantera is mixed. Young people must be trained.
"We have the best sport direction. We have the best kids for years to come.
"A pact with Atletico? Atletico Madrid has an advantage, they have a clause with us that they can use. If we are interested in one of their players, we can negotiate. I do not believe that we cannot sell to Aleti. If it's interesting for a player, as it was for (Marcos) Llorente, we'll think. There is no pact with Atletico."
