Manchester United’s £88m transfer plans under threat as club actively favouring alternative deal

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It could be bad news for Manchester United as Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen to sell Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona in order to sign Ivan Rakitic as part of a swap transfer.

The Croatia international is being eyed by Diego Simeone’s side, and Atletico would even consider accepting less money for Griezmann if they could land someone in exchange, according to Don Balon.

This, the report explains, is because Atletico now fear Griezmann’s £88million release clause is not likely to be sufficient to help them sign a top class replacement anyway in the current market.

Manchester United transfer target Antoine Griezmann in action for Atletico Madrid

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It remains to be seen if this can hijack what looks like a near-completed agreement for Griezmann to move to Old Trafford.

Don Balon have also recently claimed the France international has a pre-contract agreement with United, while yesterday Don Balon added that he’s already chosen his squad number after fresh talks with Jose Mourinho.

Barcelona could do with reinforcements in attack, however, with Luis Suarez going off the boil this season and Neymar leaving during the summer.

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