Manchester United deny agreeing personal terms with Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann

Reports in France suggested he had agreed to the same salary as Paul Pogba

Simon Peach
Thursday 02 February 2017 08:49 GMT
Comments
Griezmann is United's priority transfer target for the summer window
Griezmann is United's priority transfer target for the summer window (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United have denied reports that an agreement has been reached in principle with Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

Jose Mourinho's men have long been linked with a summer move for the 25-year-old and it has been reported in France that the basis of an agreement is in place with the attacker.

However, while Griezmann may be of interest to United, an Old Trafford source has denied Wednesday's reports, according to the Press Association.

There was no opportunity to ask manager Mourinho if he could comment on the report given his abrupt exit from the press conference following Wednesday's frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Hull.

However, in the pre-match press conference the Portuguese confirmed plans are afoot when it comes to summer planning, having recently been linked regularly to Griezmann and Benfica's Victor Lindelof.

"In our case, we are more focused on the summer period," Mourinho said hours before January transfer window shut. "I like my players, so nothing for me. I know what I want.

"I always think every week, the more I know my players, the more I know my team, the more I know the competition, because it's a competition I know really well, but it's a competition that is in permanent evolution.

"I know what I want, yeah. I know what I want. But the market closes today, so there is no point, especially for me, to speak about the next transfer window when we have so many matches to play, so many competitions to fight for and so many good players to work with.

"So if you ask me do I know what I want for the next transfer window? Yes, I know. Is it possible to get? I try always to be realistic.


Mourinho cut a dejected and frustrated figure on the sideline against Hull 

 Mourinho cut a dejected and frustrated figure on the sideline against Hull 
 (Getty)

"I remember many years ago when I was asking for a second goalkeeper, the technical director gave me a list of possible second goalkeepers and the first choice was (Gianluigi) Buffon to be my second goalkeeper.

"I'm always realistic, I always try to give options that are gettable, but we'll have time to speak about it in the summer."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in