Atletico Madrid step up Cristiano Ronaldo bid by putting Antoine Griezmann on transfer list to fund move for Man Utd ace
ATLETICO MADRID have put Antoine Griezmann up for sale to boost their chances of signing Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
Diego Simeone's side want to sign the Manchester United striker this summer but need to free up their wage bill to fund a move.
Griezmann is set to enter the second year of his two-year loan spell at Atletico, who are obliged to spend £34million on the Frenchman next summer.
Atletico have offered Griezmann to several clubs including Paris Saint-Germain report , but the French champions are not interested.
The Spanish outfit are keeen to get rid of his reported £300k-a-week salary and use the money saved on Ronaldo's contract instead.
CR7 earns an eye-watering £360k-a-week at Old Trafford but is believed to be willing to take a 30 per cent pay cut to push through a move.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Ronaldo is determined to play Champions League football next season and after Chelsea ended their interest in him he has turned to Atletico.
He is open to what would be a controversial switch with Atletico offering the opportunity to win silverware and Champions League football, while his partner Georgina Rodriguez is also keen on moving back to Spain.
The 37-year-old is also said to be impressed with Simeone's desire to work with him - that could be the deciding factor to lure Ronaldo to the Wanda Metropolitano.
But his signing is dependent on Griezmann's future with Atletico struggling to find a bidder.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Tottenham were linked in the winter but have now signed Richarlison, while Juventus have also been keen in the past.
The Old Lady were reportedly interested in swapping Alvaro Morata with Griezmann but such a deal would prohibit Atletico from making a move for Ronaldo.
Atletico are taking a risk by signing Ronaldo - after all he is a legend at rivals Real Madrid.
Some fans are passionate in their opposition to the striker joining the club with claims he has disrespected Atletico and the fanbase in the past.