MX23RW : Wednesday, May 29 05:42:14| >> :120:23556:23556:

Manchester United 'not in contact with Antoine Griezmann'

Man United 'not in contact with Antoine Griezmann'
© Reuters
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano plays down claims that Manchester United are interested in signing Antoine Griezmann.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down suggestions that Manchester United are interested in signing Antoine Griezmann during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid from Barcelona, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

A complicated clause involving his loan move from Barcelona had seen Griezmann used entirely off the bench in the second half of matches during the 2022-23 campaign, but he was named in the first XI against Real Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday night.

Diego Simeone's side are allegedly committed to paying £35m for the attacker next summer if he appears in at least 45 minutes of 14 of Atletico's matches this term.

A recent report claimed that Man United were keeping a close eye on the situation, with the Red Devils ready to explore the possibility of signing him during the January window.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann in action with Real Madrid's Luka Modric on September 18, 2022© Reuters

However, Romano has played down claims that the France international could be heading for Man United at the start of 2023.

"I'm aware of speculation that Manchester United enquired about Antoine Griezmann in the summer, but my understanding is there's not a lot to it," Romano wrote in his CaughtOffside column.

"At the moment, the situation is still not clear between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for Griezmann so there's still nothing happening with other clubs as of now. Griezmann is 100% focused on Atletico Madrid."

Griezmann has scored 144 goals and registered 57 assists in 301 appearances for Atletico in all competitions, and he played the full 90 minutes against Real Madrid on Sunday night.

Antoine Griezmann in action for Atletico Madrid on August 21, 2022© Reuters

Atletico boss Simeone called Griezmann "one of the most important players in the club's history" after the forward scored the winner against Porto in the Champions League earlier this month.

"I love Griezmann very much," Simeone told reporters in a press conference. "Apart from the affection towards him, he is one of the most important players in the club's history.

"We will continue to improve. He is giving us a lot and he has to be strong in his head."

Man United are believed to have looked at a number of forwards over the summer, with the club preparing for the potential departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international ultimately remained at Old Trafford, and he scored his first goal of the season against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League last week, but the 37-year-old could again seek a move away from the Red Devils when the January transfer window opens for business.

ID:494977:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4853:

Antoine Griezmann future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Fabrizio Romano

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann on September 10, 2022
Read Next:
Man United 'considering January move for Antoine Griezmann'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!