What a difference a day makes.
On Tuesday, it seemed like Antoine Griezmann was destined to move to Manchester United after reportedly telling Atletico Madrid that he wanted to leave the La Liga club.
But two significant updates have arrived since that piece of news broke from Madrid.
Firstly, Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld on Thursday morning and the fact that the club would not be able to sign new players over the summer, coupled with Griezmann’s loyalty, led many to believe that he would remain at Madrid.
And, secondly, United are now reportedly looking to use the money that they would have spent triggering Griezmann’s £87 million release clause to remedy a problem position.
Rather than pursue an expensive No. 10 like Griezmann, Jose Mourinho is apparently keen on bringing another out-and-out No. 9 into his side.
The anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic last month would likely keep him out of action for the start of next season, and that’s presuming he re-signs with the Red Devils.
Well-connected Telegraph reporter James Ducker provided the update from Old Trafford on Thursday.
Sources have confirmed #mufc have changed priorities in recent weeks and will now NOT move for Griezmann at this time (1/2)
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) June 1, 2017
The Ibra injury has forced #mufc to change from wanting a No 10 (Griezmann) to now needing another No 9, which becomes the priority (2/2)
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) June 1, 2017
Sources add that Griezmann remains a player of interest to #mufc and cannot rule out a move in future but won't be happening at this time
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) June 1, 2017
While United would ideally like to bring Griezmann and a No. 9 in this summer, it’s believed the latter is seen as more important right now by Mourinho.
Torino’s Andrea Belotti, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata have all been linked with moves to Old Trafford and any one of that trio would fit the priority position perfectly.
It’s going to be a long summer of this.
Soz.
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