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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.

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Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann on September 10, 2022
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