Why are Atletico Madrid reporting Barcelona? 

Atletico Madrid are reporting Barcelona to FIFA because of an alleged illegal approach for Antoine Griezmann.

The 26-year-old signed a new contract that will see him stay at the Wanda Metropiltano until 2022, and the Madrid club are angry with Barca for pursuing their star player.

Atletico's complaint surrounds the claim that Barca have spoken to people around Griezmann, including family members.

Have Barcelona made an official approach for Griezmann?

At the minute it’s unclear - and not even Barcelona themselves have confirmed either way.

The Catalan club’s director of institutional and sporting relations Guillermo Amor failed to deny that an approach for the forward has been made.

He said: “If Bartomeu met with Griezmann’s family as the newspapers say, then there may well have been an approach.

“There is a good relationship, there can also be comfortable conversations. Rumours are inevitable in the football world.

“In Griezmann’s case there are many people we talk to; it’s our obligation to have contact with players.”

What does this mean for Manchester United?

At the moment, this doesn’t have a huge affect on Manchester United’s situation regarding Griezmann.

They have firm competition for the signature of the forward but Diego Simeone said he will not stand in the player’s way if he wants to leave Los Rojiblancos. 

This could mean that Griezmann will be allowed to leave Atletico next summer if the price is right. 

What does this mean for Barcelona?

If Atletico Madrid file an official complaint, the severest punishment would be a transfer ban.

The Catalans received a two-year ban back in 2014, which meant they were unable to sign players during that period of time. 

It’s unclear whether they would receive the same kind of sanction but the club don’t want to miss out on making signings - and Griezmann is one of their key targets.

Haven’t Barcelona got history?

Barcelona will have to act very carefully in regards to their transfer activity after already being subject to a complaint from Club World Cup runners-up Gremio.

Arthur, who has attracted attention from Europe’s top clubs, was pictured alongside Barcelona directors Robert Fernandez and Andre Cury wearing the club’s home shirt.

If FIFA decide that Barcelona’s actions have been out of line, then they may brandish them with a punishment. 

Who are the alternatives for Barcelona if a move for Griezmann fails?

Barcelona have been keen to replace Neymar since he dramatically left the Nou Camp for Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Ousmane Dembele has been hampered with injury, which has left a lot of the attacking responsibility on the shoulders of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Barca remain firm favourites to land Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, but could turn their attentions to Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil who are both available on a free transfer next summer. 

Angel Di Maria was also linked in the summer and he could make the move from the Parc des Princes after falling out of favour.