ANTOINE GRIEZMANN could yet be on his way to Old Trafford after Barcelona firmly rejected claims that they’ve reached a deal with the striker.
The Catalan club have been in prime position to secure the 28-year-old’s services since the transfer window opened – but their failure to make a concrete move has allowed Manchester United back into the race.
The Atletico ace revealed he was leaving Madrid back in May – and Barcelona seemed to be his preferred destination.
But president Josep Maria Bartomeu struck a cautious note as he stressed that the club haven’t even made contact with Frenchman.
He said: “There’s nothing to announce.
“We’ve always said it, we’ve never spoken to him, there’s nothing.
“We’re already seeing how the market is growing these days and weeks.”
His comments will be welcomed by the Manchester United hierarchy, who are desperate for a marquee signing after an underwhelming end to last season.
Griezmann gave the Old Trafford outfit hope when he said earlier this month that his future may lie outside of La Liga.
The striker said: “I want my future to be decided more than anyone, but there’s a need to wait.
“I don’t know if I’ll remain in Spain.”
And last week SunSport exclusively reported that United were prepared to pay £95million to hijack his move to Barcelona.
With the likely departure of Paul Pogba, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to make use of the midfielder’s transfer fee in order to make up any creative abyss that Pogba leaves.
While not explicitly ruling out a move, Bartomeu’s comments represent a significant cooling of interest in the player – especially after he almost signed for Barcelona last summer.
The president went so far as to calm any talk of a typically lavish transfer window, adding: “We’re going through a slow and secure process.
“We have all of June, July and August. We’re in talks and carrying out a strategy, we’re also looking at Barcelona B – some players have the possibility to move up into the senior team this year.
“There will be departures and some arrivals.”
Griezmann originally announced his desire to leave Madrid in May – much to the ire of Atletico fans.
But with a move for Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix inching ever closer, the club are doing their best to replace his mammoth goal tally from last season.
