Barcelona president admits he met Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann in October
Josep Maria Bartomeu did not give much away about the French international striker's future
BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed he met with Antoine Griezmann earlier in the season.
But he gave little away as to whether the Atletico Madrid striker, 27, is likely to be at the Nou Camp this summer.
Bartomeu told he preferred to keep his cards close to his chest, saying: “We don’t talk of players from other teams.
"We’re analysing the season and what we’ll do with the signings and departures."
But he did confirm: “I saw Griezmann one day on holiday. I haven’t spoken with him this year.
“We have a relationship with his representative, like we have with other representatives.
TOP STORIES FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE
“It was last October, it was a meeting but nothing more. There’s no need to create further speculation.”
Barca's apparent pursuit of Griezmann prompted Atletico to complain to Fifa over improper conduct in December, though the Camp Nou side denied their claims.
LACAZETTE IN A SPIN Arsenal star on the decks as he parties with teammates
French star Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move to Barca at the end of the season.
In fact, Barcelona striker Luis Suarez hinted last week that a deal could already have been agreed.
The Europa League finalists' head coach Diego Simeone denied that was the case.
Whatever, Griezmann – who is said to have an £88million release clause in his contract – is expected to resolve his future before the World Cup begins in June.
How to win £1MILLION with Sun Six
SUN SIX is the new predictor game where you can win £1million - just by correctly picking the results of six games.
Here is how to get your mitts on the million:
- Make your picks - predict the scores from these six games
- Enter your details - quickly sign up to Sun Bets so we can contact you
- Score £1m - Watch the scores roll in and you can win £1m
Top pundits IAN WRIGHT and DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM have made their picks for this week if you need a steer.
And remember, you can claim a free £30 bet with Sun Bets when you sign up put a tenner on this weekend's football .
Griezmann has scored 27 goals for Atleti this season, including a decisive one that earned a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Griezmann’s international team-mate Ousmane Dembele has also been the subject of transfer speculation.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
The 20-year-old has made only a limited impact at Barca following his big-money transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer and he has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Asked if Dembele might be sent out on loan, Bartomeu said: “That matter is not on the table. We’re finishing the season and then we’ll have meetings.
“Dembele is one for the future. He’s very young and from inside the club we expect a lot from him."