Antoine Griezmann 'in talks' to sign for shock club and complete career first

Antoine Griezmann is in advanced discussions over a first ever career move which could happen in the middle of the European season.

The France international is currently in his second spell with Atletico Madrid and has scored 12 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for Diego Simeone's men.

Atleti are fourth in La Liga and in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, having trounced Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg.

They are also in the Champions League play-offs, taking on Club Brugge in the second leg after playing out a 3-3 draw last week.

But Griezmann could soon be on the move, finally moving away from Spain after spending his entire senior career in La Liga.

Griezmann is Atletico's record goalscorer with 190 goals. Image: Getty

According to The Athletic, MLS side Orlando City are desperate to make him the next high-profile export and add him to a list of superstars which includes his former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

The former Barca pair are plying their trade for Inter Miami, who previously tried to sign Griezmann, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

As per the report, Orlando one of four MLS clubs to show interest in signing the 34-year-old but they have the Discovery Rights - which gives them first refusal.

The Florida outfit memorably acquired former Ballon d'Or winner Kaka back in 2015 when it became a new franchise and are looking to make Griezmann their next high-profile addition.

Antoine Griezmann could be set to move to MLS in the middle of the season. Image: Getty

Although talks between Orlando and Atleti have not yet taken place, Orlando's sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira has travelled to Spain on a number of occasions and the club are hopeful of securing his services in the MLS' primary window, which finishes on March 26.

Griezmann would come in and fill a designated player spot, which means he would be likely be one of the league's top earners and above the salary cap in place.

Although they are well-stocked for forwards with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, it remains to be seen if Atleti would allow Griezmann to leave in the middle of a season where they could still win a trophy.

Griezmann is Atleti's joint-record goalscorer with 190 goals across two spells in between an underwhelming stint at Barcelona.

A fan of the US sports and culture, Griezmann has regularly been linked with a stateside move and may now finally end his career there.