By Daily Sports on May 8, 2018

Barcelona have confirmed they have already held talks with Antoine Griezmann’s agent over a move to Catalonia.

France striker Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move across Spain to Barca and in December Atletico Madrid complained to FIFA over an alleged illegal approach from Barcelona for Griezmann.

Despite that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu says relations between the clubs are “good” after revealing they held talks with Griezmann’s representatives in October 2017.

Bartomeu confirmed contact was made with the 27-year-old’s agent, he told RAC 1: “I saw Griezmann one day on holiday. We met with his agent, yes. It was in October.

“We talk with [Atleti president Enrique] Cerezo about many topics. We have a good relationship with them.”

Manchester United were chasing the forward last summer, but eventually switched targets and signed Romelu Lukaku after Griezmann remained loyal to Atletico. With the La Liga side then under a transfer embargo it’s understood Griezmann refused to leave them in the lurch.

That embargo was lifted in January when Diego Costa returned to Atletico and this summer could now be the time for Griezmann to leave despite the forward signing a one-year extension to his contract last summer to tie him to the club until June 2022.

Griezmann does have a €100million exit clause in his Wanda Metropolitano contract, but last month he was cool when asked if he was heading to Barca this summer.

Told by a reporter on TF1 that “according to our information you are going to sign”, the French international replied: “I don’t where your information comes from but, for now, there’s nothing.”

Griezmann did indicate in March that he would decide on a move before the World Cup finals in Russia, which start on June 14. (football365.com)

•Photo shows Griezmann finding the net in a match

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 8, 2018

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