Man Utd ‘ready for Antoine Griezmann transfer swoop in January’ as Atletico Madrid’s row with Barcelona could force exit
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MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to pounce on Antoine Griezmann in January if Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fail to resolve their row over the forward.
The 31-year-old is currently in the second season of his two-year loan spell back at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico are obliged to pay Barcelona £34million to turn the player's temporary switch into a permanent stay if he plays 45 minutes or more in half their games this term.
Boss Diego Simeone has been doing his best to avoid the club paying full price by restricting the France international to just one start in eight games in all competitions.
It has been claimed that Barca are preparing a lawsuit against Atletico with the latter seemingly finding a loophole around the transfer.
Though there have been rumours that the two clubs are close to agreeing a cut-price £22m deal for the 2018 World Cup winner.
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However have stated that should Barca and Atletico fail to resolve their dispute, Griezmann could be available for transfer in January.
And this could see United revive their interest in the ex-Real Sociedad ace having failed to secure his services in the previous window.
During the summer, Griezmann was only focused on staying in Madrid and was not entertaining a move to Old Trafford or anywhere else.
But the situation could change with all parties growing frustrated by the current situation.
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From his eight games this campaign, Griezmann has chipped in with three goals - two of which have come in LaLiga.
Despite his limited game time, Griezmann has still been called up to Didier Deschamps' latest French squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Austria and Denmark.
Deschamps even joked about his bench role at Atletico last week, where he said: "At least he's not tired, you have to see the positive things.
"Despite playing time, he is still an important and decisive player.
"Of course he aspires to more, to have a better athletic condition.
"Today he plays 30 minutes, he hasn't completed 90 for a long time."