Antoine Griezmann has held talks with Atletico Madrid’s decision-makers and informed them of his desire to join Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The striker is currently on international duty with France, but is already centre of the window’s biggest transfer saga as the Red Devils try to wrestle him away from Atletico.
Jose Mourinho has made him a priority signing, with the 25-year-old giving himself a 60 per cent chance of moving to Old Trafford when quizzed on French TV.
And now Deportes Cope, and other Spanish media outlets, are reporting that Griezmann has spoken with Atletico’s owners and asked them to allow him to join United.
The former Real Sociedad man was waiting for United to qualify for the Champions League before pushing for a move, with their Europa League triumph booking their place in the group stages.
Although Atletico president Enrique Cerezo was still adamant that Griezmann would remain at Atletico as recently as Saturday, he must now face up to Griezmann’s transfer request.
Atletico’s hierarchy have previously insisted that any club wanting to sign Griezmann would need to pay his €100 million (£83.7m) release clause.
Mourinho, though, hopes to land Griezmann for around £60m as he plans to greatly strengthen his squad ahead of next season’s Champions League competition.
Paul Pogba hinted at the looming arrival of his team-mate and good friend Griezmann immediately after Wednesday’s Europa League victory over Ajax.
The world’s most expensive player appears keen to be reunited with the striker at club level, imitating his Hotline Bling celebration on Instagram before inviting fans to ‘watch this space’ when asked about the deal by French TV.
Griezmann is seen as the idea frontman for Mourinho, who wants more pace and firepower up front, with the Frenchman scoring 16 goals and laying on another eight assists last term.
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