Griezmann rep reveals approaches from United, City

Ian Watson

Manchester United have made an approach for Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann.

The France striker’s advisor Eric Olhats confirmed United’s move and says they face competition from Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona, while missing out on the Champions League would count against the Red Devils.

The Manchester Evening News last week claimed an £86million deal was done and cited “sources close to the Frenchman”.

That report appears to be premature though with Olhats admitting there is plenty of interest in Griezmann, who has a buy-out clause of £86million.

Olhats told French radio station RMC: “There are not 50,000 clubs that can put 100 million on the table, it’s quickly figured out. That’s the price of the clause, they won’t give anything away cheaply. That limits the number of candidates right now.

“I had heard that Manchester United was done, was signed, but we don’t even know if they’ll play in the Champions League. That’s important, I must say.

“Manchester United have made an approach to inform themselves, just like all the others.

“They come to find out what our thinking is, what the player’s thinking is, if there are possibilities, how much. It seems logical.

“Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and even Real have knocked on the door to see where things are, everyone comes to see what is do-able, and what is not do-able, that’s normal. It’s a game of musical chairs.”

But Olhats ruled out a move to join Atletico’s neighbours Real and added that Paris Saint-Germain had yet to follow up their interest from last summer.

Griezmann spoke on Thursday of becoming tired of the persistent speculation over his future.