- Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona for approaching Antoine Griezmann illegally
- This may have given Manchester United the edge in the race to sign the French international
- Manchester was heavily linked with Griezmann in the summer but he chose to stay with Atleti when their transfer ban was upheld.
Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona to FIFA for an alleged illegal approach for Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann.
The 26-year-old has been widely tipped for a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano despite signing a one-year extension last summer after Atletico's transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Diego Costa’s imminent return to Madrid next month means Atletico can afford to lose their star striker.
Griezmann could be on his way to Manchester United. Source: SUN
Reports earlier this week suggested that Griezmann had been in contact with Barcelona and had his heart set on joining the exciting attack at the Nou Camp.
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But Atletico today reported their La Liga rivals to FIFA for tapping up after Barca chiefs met up with the player’s family to talk through a move.
Following Neymar's world-record departure last summer, Barca have been heavily linked with a move for Griezmann.
Barcelona's fallout out Atleti gives Manchester United the edge to sign Griezmann. Source: Metro
The France superstar had an indifferent start to the season, but has been directly involved in six goals in his last five games as Atletico look to turn their season around after being knocked out of the Champions League.
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Atleti boss Diego Simeone previously admitted that Griezmann would be allowed to leave if he asked to go because he has done all he could for the club.
Barcelona were previously handed a 14-month transfer ban for breaking rules on signing international players under the age of 18 back in 2014.
NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Diego Simeone has confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will leave the club at the end of the season with either Barcelona or Manchester United his likely destination.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Wednesday, 20 December 2017