Antoine Griezmann’s advisor has confirmed interest from Manchester United, City and Chelsea in his client.
Eric Olhats, the scout who helped to discover the Atletico Madrid forward, said: ‘We’re at the stage of gathering information from clubs who have a concrete interest.’
Talking to French TV station Telefoot, he said: ‘There is an unavoidable €100m (£85m) clause so that restricts the number of candidates. You have United, City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
‘United were the first to come and see us and the most concrete in their wishes.’
Atletico Madrid are in talks with Olhats to try and convince Griezmann to stay. They have offered improved terms and wish to increase his buy-out clause.
According to Daily Mail, Pep Guardiola had made Griezmann his No 1 transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window, but he faces a tough battle convincing the 26-year-old not to join close friend and international team-mate Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.
Sergio Aguero has been working hard to transform into the all-round striker Guardiola wants, but with City’s owners ready to back him heavily in the transfer market again, Griezmann is considered the better option.
But Manchester United have maintained a long-term interest, which is only likely to intensify after Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a career threatening ACL injury against Anderlecht.
Chelsea will also throw their name into the hat with Diego Costa a potential makeweight in any deal for Griezmann. Their top scorer has grafted since a January fall out with Antonio Conte but continues to struggle with London life and would welcome the chance to return to his former club.
COMMENTS