Man Utd target Griezmann happy in Spain

Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann has admitted that he is happy in Spain, and is not looking to leave Atlético Madrid any time soon, according to reports.

French TV show Tele Foot is reporting that Atlético Madrid’s star French forward Antoine Griezmann is happy in Spain and would only look to leave the Vicente Calderón if manager Diego Simeone decides to leave.

Griezmann, who was a childhood United fan and idolized David Beckham, has been linked with a 2017 move to Old Trafford recently, but his comments to Tele Foot would suggest that the 25-year-old is fully focussed on his job with Atléti, and is not thinking ahead to a switch to the Premier League.

The Frenchman also signed a new contract with the Madrid club this summer, bumping his release clause up to €100 million.

However, with their world record purchase of Griezmann’s international team mate Paul Pogba, United have shown that such figures are not beyond their means, should they decide to pursue a move for Griezmann.

Griezmann signed for Atléti two year ago, joining from Real Socieded in a €30 million deal. The Frenchman had made his name as a winger in San Sebastian, but has predominantly been played as a central striker by Simeone, and has scored 57 goals in 107 appearances for last season’s Champions League runners-up.

Bleacher Report last week claimed that United manager José Mourinho has identified Griezmann as a 2017 summer target, with the view being that the Atlético forward will be the long term replacement for Wayne Rooney.