Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of Antoine Griezmann after Diego Simeone admitted the striker is allowed to leave.

The Red Devils made the Atletico Madrid forward their top transfer target in the summer, and Griezmann looked certain to move to Old Trafford.

But Atletico Madrid's transfer ban was upheld meaning they were unable to sign a replacement for the France international, and out of respect for the club Griezmann decided to stay put.

The La Liga club have since re-signed Diego Costa from Chelsea, meaning they are no longer entirely reliant on Griezmann for goals.

Antoine Griezmann could be free to move to Manchester United (
Image:
REUTERS)

Manchester United signed Romelu Lukaku after missing out on the Frenchman in the summer for a whopping £75million.

But Jose Mourinho is still said to be interested in Griezmann, and could made a move for him at the end of the season.

Diego Simeone said he would not stand in the Frenchman's way (
Image:
REUTERS)

Speaking about the striker's future, Atletico Madrid boss Simeone told L'Equipe: "I love my players a lot and I love to see them grow. I am not ungrateful.

"If a player comes to me and says: 'Coach, I have a once in a lifetime chance to play for a certain team, I want to leave'.

Jose Mourinho is apparently still keen on signing the forward (
Image:
Reuters)

"If he did all he could for me as Griezmann does, I'll say it's no problem.

"I know that he needs to grow. Of course Griezmann will be able to leave at some point, the same way Costa and Arda Turan were allowed to leave."

poll loading

Where would Antoine Griezmann be better suited?

1000+ VOTES SO FAR