Barcelona 'agree deal in principle' to sign Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann as Catalan side steal a march on Manchester United
- Highly rated France and Atletico Madrid striker could join Catalan side next year
- Diego Simeone's side agreed deal in principle according to reports in France
- Manchester United have previously been linked with move for forward
- Griezmann's Atletico deal saw buy-out clause double from £85million to £170m
Barcelona have 'agreed a deal in principle' to sign Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Manchester United but it appears the Catalan club have stolen a march on Jose Mourinho's side.
According to Le 10 Sport the La Liga-leading side are now in pole position to sign the Frenchman who has underwhelmed so far this season.
Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann is a transfer target for Barcelona
Atletico have 'agreed a deal in principle' with Barcelona for Griezmann's transfer
Many anticipated the 26-year-old sealing a move to Old Trafford in the summer but Atletico's transfer ban, upheld by FIFA, meant Simeone held onto his main man.
And the Spanish side strengthened their hand even more when Griezmann agreed a new deal, doubling his release clause from £85million to £170m.
The Frenchman has not yet reached the dizzying heights of last season however, scoring only three goals in all competitions.
He cut a frustrated figure in Atletico's recent La Liga clash with Deportivo La Coruna and was subbed off with the scores level in the second half.
Jose Mourinho was thought to be interested in signing Griezmann for Manchester United
But Griezmann will no doubt be confident of a return to form and netted for France in their friendly against Wales last Friday.
Time will tell whether United will renew their interest in the former transfer target but Barcelona are in the market for a superstar to replace Neymar.
The £96m signing Ousmane Dembele presents a promising option but at just 20 years old Ernesto Valverde is evidently looking to add established international class to his star-studded ranks.
Griezmann scored for France in their friendly victory against Wales last Friday
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