Transfer News: Real Madrid plot shock €110 million swoop to land Antoine Griezmann

Manchester United’s pursuit of Antoine Griezmann has now been rocked by reports of Real Madrid plotting a shock €110 million swoop for the Atletico Madrid superstar

Spanish publication OK Diario have claimed that Antoine Griezmann is a shock target for Real Madrid. The Atletico Madrid superstar has been heavily linked to Manchester United, with reports of personal agreements already in place. But, Los Blancos’ interest could throw a wrench in Mourinho’s plans.

As per OK Diario’s director Eduardo Inda, Real Madrid are prepared to move for Antoine Griezmann with Zinedine Zidane having taken a liking to his compatriot. As per the reports, Griezmann’s release clause currently stands at €110 million, a fee that would not trouble Real president Florentino Perez at all.

Atletico Madrid would hate the idea of selling any player, let alone their most-prized asset to their local rivals. But they are unlikely to have a say if Real Madrid activate the player’s release clause.

That is likely to hand Griezmann the power to select. He, however, might not want to take the plunge to their local rivals, given the nature of love he has received while playing for the Los Rojiblancos up until now. Inda also revealed that the player and his entourage are already in talks with PSG and Manchester United.

Manchester United are the heavy favourited to land Griezmann, though. The Red Devils were Griezmann’s favourite club as a child with United legend David Beckham being his childhood idol. Paul Pogba, his best friend and international teammate is already at Manchester United.

Also, Griezmann has iterated his desire to play with Pogba at club level someday, something which could turn into reality if the French superstar does opt to join Manchester United.

But there are also hints in the article that Griezmann’s affinity towards David Beckham also means that the player likes or perhaps, used to like Real Madrid as well, which could yet leave the door ajar for a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

There are reports of a mutual verbal pact between the two clubs to not pursue each other’s players, but Inda has stated that the pact is not an eternal one. It will be interesting to see how Real Madrid’s interest affects Manchester United’s pursuit of Griezmann.

For now though, United still appear to be in the driver’s seat to land the French superstar.