Simeone and his girlfriend Carla hit London on international break visit

With most of his squad away on international duty, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been enjoying a bit of down time in London.

The Argentine and his glamorous girlfriend Carla Pereyra seemed to have a fit of the giggles as they jumped into their car outside the trendy Chiltern Firehouse after they dined there over the weekend.

With his Atletico side just one point off leaders Barcelona in the La Liga standings, Simeone has every reason to be cheerful - and they're on course to progress in the Champions League as well.

Earlier, the couple had strolled through Notting Hill and visited the famous Portabello Market, with Simeone donning a pair of shades to ensure he wasn't spotted.

And Pereyra posted a smiley family snap with daughter Francesca as they prepared to fly back to Madrid from Heathrow Airport.

It will be back to the training ground grind for Simeone following his well-earned break as Atletico prepare for their crunch clash with Barcelona this Saturday night.

From there, they host Monaco in the Champions League next Wednesday as they aim to take another step towards the Champions League knockout stages.

Simeone's trip to London comes amid uncertainty over whether he will commit to a new contract with Atletico, whom he has guided to two Champions League finals since 2011 as well as a league title and two Europa Leagues.

Reports had suggested that Simeone is in negotiations with the club over a lucrative contract extension, but these have since been denied.

A club spokesperson told ESPN FC: 'There are no open negotiations yet for Simeone's new contract and the harmony between club and coach is total.

'Both sides consider that now is not the moment to sit down and talk.'

His existing deal expires in June 2020 and Atletico are keen to extend his contract considering the progress made over recent years.

The Chiltern Firehouse, in Marylebone, is situated in a converted fire station and is well established as a celebrity hang-out, offering fine dining as well as hotel rooms.

Located in a Grade II listed gothic Victorian building, guests are led through attractive garden courtyards to their tables by top-hatted doormen.

Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes serves up a menu of European and American favourites with the current offerings including Iberico pork, BBQ venison chop, Hereford beef fillet and roasted sea bass.

Among the celebrities spotted there are David Beckham, Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Orlando Bloom and Simon Cowell.