Manchester United appear to have been handed a boost in their hopes of signing Antoine Griezmann after doubts emerged over Diego Simeone’s future on Wednesday.
Last week, the French international revealed that Simeone’s exit would be the only reason why he would consider leaving the Spanish capital.
Further, the same report claimed that Jose Mourinho had been given the green light to launch a big-money bid for the 25-year-old next summer.
According to El Confidencial, there have been developments this week as they claim that Simeone could leave Atleti at the end of the season, despite having a signed a new contract this summer that runs until 2020.
The report suggests that the Argentine tactician doesn’t intend on staying at the club that long, and could decide that it’s the right time to leave within the next 18 months.
In turn, if he was to leave the La Liga giants, then that would throw Griezmann’s future into doubt based on his comments last week with United undoubtedly monitoring the situation closely and preparing a bid if he is available.
Given his standing as one of the top players in Europe, coupled with his influence at Atleti over the last two years as he has netted 44 goals in 75 La Liga games, it will take a sizeable offer to prise him away from the club.
However, as noted by The Sun, the board have already informed Mourinho that the money is there if he wants to spend it next summer, and so this story will likely rumble on in the months to come unless Simeone provides clarity over his future to dismiss the speculation.