Jose Mourinho does not think the Frenchman is worth his price-tag.
Manchester United’s interest in Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has reportedly come to an end. Griezmann has long been heavily linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford but, according to Spanish outlet Marca, Mourinho does not wish to pursue a deal.
According to their report, Mourinho has never been that keen on Griezmann, with United’s interest in him stemming from the board’s wish to secure a marquee signing.
Griezmann was tipped to join United last summer but decided to stay as Atletico’s transfer embargo meant the club were unable to look for his replacement.
Marca say, as things stand, Manchester United have 'no intention' of signing Antoine Griezmann.
They also state that during the summer the pursuit of Griezmann was club led, with Mourinho not being entirely convinced about the transfer.https://t.co/WuOYKUMQ0k #mufc pic.twitter.com/vfJGTcxVrm
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) December 27, 2017
The embargo lifts on New Year’s Day, which will see Diego Costa officially reinstated as an Atletico player following his departure from Chelsea in the summer. It would, in principle, also free Griezmann to head for the exit door, but it looks as though Barcelona, not United, are favourites to land him.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone has said he will not stand in Griezmann’s way if the player expresses a desire to leave, as long as his €100million (£88m) release clause is met. Mourinho, according to Marca, views that as far too expensive.
While Barcelona are understood to be firm favourites, it’s unlikely that the club, even with their vast financial might, will pursue deals for both Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Griezmann. Coutinho is believed to be Barca’s top transfer target but would cost them even more than the €100m required to land Griezmann.
What seems clear, though, is that Griezmann will not be a United player. The Premier League club have been linked with several players in recent weeks, including Bordeaux starlet Malcom and Ajax prospect Justin Kluivert, son of former Barcelona and Netherlands striker Patrick.
