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Real Madrid Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Linked Amid Manchester United Talk
March 7, 2017
Manchester United will reportedly look to other forward options this summer as there is a "feeling" that priority target Antoine Griezmann could "be holding out for a move to Real Madrid."
According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Griezmann's capture has "lessened in priority" at Old Trafford as a result of his potential interest in swapping Atletico Madrid for Real and the difficulty United would face in pulling off such a complicated deal.
The Frenchman has previously ruled out the possibility of joining Los Rojiblancos' bitter rivals or moving to the Premier League in the near future.
In December, Marc Williams of the Daily Star quoted him as saying: "I'm feeling good at Atletico Madrid. Frankly, I don't see myself leaving. People often talk about England, but I'm here. And then, going from Atletico to Real, it must be difficult. I do not necessarily want to try. I don't think about it."
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo similarly rejected the notion the month prior, per Onda Cero (h/t MailOnline's Danny Gallagher): "I don't believe there is any possibility of Griezmann going to Madrid, or to any other team."
F.J. Diaz of AS also reported that Griezmann has been "convinced" to stay put at least until the end of next season, which will be Atletico's first campaign in their new stadium after they leave the Vicente Calderon this summer.
The Frenchman is one of the hottest properties in European football, and it's easy to see why based on his impressive goal record, courtesy of Squawka Football:
Along with his 20 goals, Griezmann also has 10 assists in all competitions this season.
Paul Giblin of beIN Espana praised the forward on Sunday as he netted a brace against Valencia:
The two goals came in his 100th La Liga outing for Atletico, taking his tally in that time to 56.
Three days earlier, he netted a sensational strike against Deportivo La Coruna:
The 25-year-old could well be on the move in the future, but for the time being he seems set to remain with Atletico, who will be determined to keep him at the club.
A goalscorer of his talent would be an asset to any side, even Real, though it does appear fairly unlikely he'd be prepared to risk souring his legacy with Atletico by moving there, particularly in a direct move across the city.