Sociedad Will Reject Lucrative Offers from Manchester United for Star Midfielder

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has insisted that the club will turn down any offer for star midfielder Antoine Griezmann even if Manchester United come forward with a lucrative offer.

Griezmann admitted earlier this year that he was aware of interest from United but made it clear that he was happy to remain at Sociedad.

"I know that some English clubs are following me and that Manchester United is one of them. It's nice to hear such a thing, but I'm not letting it destabilise my work," stated the hugely impressive midfielder.

The France Under-21 international later claimed that he did not make this statement but his agent confirmed to IBTimes UK that it was "obvious that a player with Griezmann's potential would be happy to play for a big club in the future, like Manchester United, Real Madrid or Barcelona".

The 22 year old has enjoyed a wonderful start to the season and has scored eight goals in just 10 league games, making him the fourth top scorer in the division behind just Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa and Lionel Messi.

His impressive performances have led to increased speculation that Manchester United will make an offer during the January transfer window but Sociedad's president has stated that they are under no pressure to sell for financial reason.

"I have not had any open conversation with Griezmann," Aperribay told Spanish newspaper AS. "Yesterday, I had coffee with him but we did not talk about money or contracts. We do not expect to have any offers for him because this year Real do not need the money."

United boss David Moyes will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen his squad in January but it seems Griezmann may well be out of his grasp unless the Premier League champions decideto make a huge offer.

The winger is believed to have two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract and a release clause of some £36m.