Man Utd could make January move for Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann doesn't know if he's coming or going right now, as he's stuck in a weird transfer game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but Manchester United could give him a way out.

Griezmann was one of Atletico's most important players last season, following his loan move back to the club from Barcelona in summer 2021.

He was expected to eventually turn that loan into a permanent move back to Spain's capital next summer, following a second season on loan.

However, Atleti have run into financial problems and don't want to spend the €40 million, that the original agreement dictated. To get around this, they believe if Griezmann doesn't play 45 minutes or more in 50% of their matches then they don't have to pay.

Griezmann prepares to come in the 60th minute, yet again. Image: Alamy

As such, the World Cup winner has started most games on the bench, usually being brought on as close to the hour mark as possible, something that would infuriate fantasy football players no end.

Whilst he got his first start to the season on the weekend, although he might have wished he hadn't after being ruined by Dani Carvajal, Barca have reportedly threatened legal action.

The Catalan giants believe that the agreement with Atleti means the 80% of games he played last season is already enough to have triggered the mandatory fee next summer.

However, with the dispute raging on, it could be ideal for both teams if there was a third option, and, according to the Athletic, there could be one.

The outlet claims that United enquired about the 31-year-old in the summer window, but at that point the player was 'focused on staying' at Atleti.

Griezmann celebrates scoring in the Champions League. Image: Alamy

With all the issues up in the air that could change and, should United sell Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag's side could be the beneficiaries.

Barcelona have never expected the France international to return to the Nou Camp, from the moment they loaned him out 15 months ago.

They want to get his wages off the bill permanently, and having taken a pay cut to return to Diego Simeone's team they would go up again on return to Xavi's side.

They have already tried extremely hard to drop their wage bill in the summer, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Martin Braithwaite moved on.

However, Memphis Depay, who is unhappy with his lack of playing time, and Frenkie de Jong, both also linked with a move to Old Trafford, both stayed at the club.

Like Griezmann, Ronaldo has also been on the bench a lot. Image: Alamy

It is not the first time that United have been linked with the former Real Sociedad forward, and he looked set for a move to Old Trafford back in 2017.

However, Atleti's transfer ban at the time meant they wouldn't have been able to replace him so he decided to stay put, before eventually joining Barcelona two years later.

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