Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United? Atletico Madrid star says Old Trafford move is a 'possibility'
Griezmann also claims Tottenham Hotspur had identified him as Gareth Bale's replacement.
Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has opened the door for a move to Manchester United after confirming a switch to Old Trafford is possible.
The France international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester earlier in the transfer. However, their efforts to sign the forward suffered a blow after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) upheld Atletico's Fifa transfer embargo.
Griezmann signed a new contract with Atletico in June, while his buyout clause has been kept unchanged at €100m (£88.6m, $117.5m). The 26-year-old's former agent and mentor Eric Olhats confirmed the forward would have completed a switch to United if Atletico were not banned from registering players in the summer.
In the final chapter, "Eulogy of freedom," of his biography --"Behind a smile"-- the attacker also confirms Tottenham Hotspur identified him as Gareth Bale's replacement at the north London club. The Welsh international left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013.
"In June, I extended my contract. I'm linked to the club until 2022. Although I might be missing out on titles, I have everything here to be happy but that does not mean to say I won't go one day," Griezmann writes in a new biography, as quoted by Spanish newspaper AS.
"I haven't made that decision. It all depends on various factors. I have nothing against England except for the weather. Manchester United is a possibility," he stressed.
The Sun claims the former Real Sociedad is still wanted by the 20-time English champions and has emerged as a top target for United manager Jose Mourinho. United and Atletico officials met during the international break to discuss fresh terms.
Any move by United for Griezmann will see them face competition from Barcelona. Mundo Deportivo earlier reported the Catalan club have moved closer to completing Atletico forward's signing.
Griezmann has struggled this season, scoring two goals and registering two assists in 10 La Liga starts. He has not scored for Atletico since converting the penalty in his side's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea. The Frenchman's club teammate Koke has backed him to end his goal drought.
"The fans will support Griezmann. No one likes the situation at the moment, not him nor his teammates," Koke was quoted as saying by Sport. "He knows what to do and he will give his all as always. He can play well or not, but he will always have the support of his teammates and fans."
