Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'withdraw interest' in Antoine Griezmann

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 28 December 2017

Manchester United reportedly pull out of the race for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, paving the way for the striker to move to Barcelona instead.

Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with United over the summer in a deal worth around £85m but opted to stay in the Spanish capital after the La Liga side's transfer ban was upheld.

The Frenchman is free to leave the club for a relatively-modest transfer fee from next month, however, prompting suggestions that Jose Mourinho's side could make a fresh attempt to sign him either in January or at the end of the season.

According to Marca, however, Mourinho has now decided that he does not wish to be drawn into a bidding war with Griezmann's other main pursuer - La Liga leaders Barcelona - and has dropped interest in the forward.

The newspaper claims that Barca's potential move for Griezmann is further complicated by their interest in Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu unable to afford both players and facing a decision on which one to pursue hardest.

Recent reports have suggested that Atletico are already planning a move for Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a replacement for Griezmann.