Griezmann's United move depends on Barcelona

The aforementioned source reported that the French forward has an agreement in principle to join Barcelona. A deal is already in place between Griezmann and the Catalan club, but it is strictly verbal. Nothing has been signed yet.

Manchester United remain hopeful over their chances of swooping in for the Atletico starlet, who has been a long-standing target for the Old Trafford outfit. A switch seemed to be on the cards last summer, but a Fifa-imposed transfer embargo on his current club hindered the process.

When the transfer window opens next June, Griezmann's release clause will have once again reverted to 100 million euros. At first glance, an affordable fee for a player of his quality. His form in 2017 has not been brilliant, but 29 goals for Atletico from January to December spak for themselves.

Barcelona were the first to 'tie down' Griezmann with a verbal agreement, but several other clubs showed their interest. Manchester United, Real Madrid and even PSG are all monitoring the striker whose recent performances have seen him plummet in the Ballon d'Or rankings this season, after finishing third last year.

The Red Devils want to get ahead of other potential suitors this time around and were given an answer full of promise. According to 'Mundo Deportivo', Manchester United directors were told: "Antoine is in Barcelona's hands." Nothing is set in stone yet, and the Premier League outfit will continue their pursuit of the 26-year-old Atletico star.