Barcelona 'give Antoine Griezmann assurances over future'

Antoine Griezmann has reportedly been assured by Barcelona that he is still a key part of the club's long-term plans.

The France international has endured a tough first campaign at Camp Nou after joining from Atletico Madrid in a €120m (£107m) deal last summer.

Griezmann has struggled to break into the side of late, although he did score an impressive goal during a rare start against Villarreal on Sunday.

A number of teams have been tipped to move for the 29-year-old, including the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, but L'Equipe reports that he will stay put in Catalonia.

Barca chiefs are said to have held a meeting with Griezmann on Tuesday and told the player that they are counting on him to step up next season, with an exit not a possibility.

Griezmann has scored 15 goals in 43 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions.