Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann ‘told Diego Simeone in December he would be joining Barcelona’

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN told Diego Simeone back in December that he would be joining Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

Manchester United appeared set to sign the Frenchman, 27, last summer, until Fifa confirmed it would uphold its transfer ban on Atletico Madrid — and he opted to stay.

However, despite signing a new contract, he looks almost certain to leave this time around, with Barcelona rumoured as the frontrunners for his signature.

And  are now reporting Griezmann informed Simeone last December of his intention to end his time at club and join Barcelona.

The report adds that the Atletico boss told him he could count on his full support, as well as that of the rest of the team.

And the pair agreed they would ensure the Rojiblancos had the best possible campaign — and his form since the turn of the year has been sensational.

Griezmann has been a long-term Barcelona target, and Atletico actually reported the Catalans to Fifa earlier in the campaign for an illegal approach.

Currently, the France international's buy-out clause is set at a staggering £176million, following the agreement he made with the club last year.

However, it is understood the price will half when the next transfer window opens on July 1.

But Griezmann recently insisted he wanted his future sorted before the World Cup starts on on June 14 — which may pose a problem for Barcelona.