Barcelona Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Reportedly Agrees Move Amid Rumours

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is reportedly set to reject interest from Manchester United and is on the verge of completing an £88 million move to Barcelona.

Both European giants have been linked with the France international over the past year, and The Sun reported it's Barca who have won the race for his signature (h/t MailOnline's Nathan Salt).

The Red Devils were led to believe they had landed Griezmann, 27, last summer before Atletico's transfer ban made signing a replacement impossible and led him to extend his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

It has been suggested Paul Pogba's presence at Old Trafford could tempt Griezmann to Manchester given the midfielder is one of his closest friends, but he recently indicated to the contrary when speaking to Canal+ (via Goal):

Joan Batlle of Sport wrote that Barca would prefer to not pay the full €100 million (£88 million) value of Griezmann's release clause, even if it means paying a higher overall sum through instalments.

But Batlle also discussed how Griezmann represents a relative bargain in the transfer market because of his release clause and that it's widely believed he will leave Madrid this summer to satiate his appetite for silverware.

One factor that's been discussed at length is how Griezmann would fit into an attack that already houses Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, while Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho are present as wing options.

Mundo Deportivo recently analysed the options Barca manager Ernesto Valverde would have with the Frenchman present (via Sport Witness):

Despite United's allure, there are few who could argue the Camp Nou is not the most appealing destination in football. Barcelona lead La Liga by 12 points, not to mention they have a potential treble in sight after making the Copa del Rey final and UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Not to mention the fact Catalonia is likely a lot more appealing to the Frenchman, who has spent half of his life in Spain. Sky Sports' Guillem Balague has suggested a summer move looks probable:

Atleti have Diego Costa back among their ranks, leaving them free to sell Griezmann with no lingering fear about how they could replace his quality up front.

United already have a star frontman in Romelu Lukaku, but it looks as though the dilemma in how to fit Griezmann into their lineup will be Barcelona's after this summer.