Man Utd target Antoine Griezmann told he can leave by Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone
MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann.
The French forward has been told that he will be allowed to move onto pastures new if that is what his heart desires.
Griezmann has netted eight goals in 19 games this season but there is talk Jose Mourinho is keen to take him to Old Trafford.
The striker has been with Atletico since 2013 but they will have former Chelsea forward Diego Costa eligible to play come the New Year.
The Spaniard signed in the summer but was not allowed to be registered for the club because of their transfer embargo.
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But his return it could allow Simeone to move on his key forward - but only if Griezmann pushes for a move to go through.
Simeone told L’Equipe: “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”.
“If he did all he could for me as Griezmann does, I’ll say it’s no problem.”
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However, Simeone did hint that he would prefer his forward to stick around in the Spanish capital for at least a little bit longer.
Atletico are currently enjoying a successful season as they sit third in the La Liga table, six points behind leaders Barcelona and two above cross-city rivals Real.
“I know that he needs to grow,”Simeone added.
“Of course Griezmann will be able to leave at some point, the same way [Diego] Costa and Arda Turan were allowed to leave.”
