Manchester United news: Antoine Griezmann transfer boost as doubts emerge over Diego Simeone’s future as Atletico Madrid boss
Jose Mourinho's top target admits he could quit if his manager leaves role with La Liga club
MANCHESTER UNITED'S hopes of signing Antoine Griezmann have received a boost amid suggestions Diego Simeone could quit Atletico Madrid.
United have earmarked the French playmaker with boss Jose Mourinho given the green light to try to sign Griezmann next summer.
The attacking midfielder came close to quitting the La Liga club over the close season but decided to stay to continue working with Simeone.
But last week Griezmann admitted his future with Atletico could depend on whether the Argentine remained in charge.
Simeone only signed a new deal with the Champions League runners-up in the summer, having been targeted by French club Paris Saint-Germain.
But the report suggests he has no intention of staying until his deal expires in 2020 - and that he may well decide the time is right to leave within the next 18 months.
Simeone is aware he is currently one of the hottest managerial names in the game, and having stayed loyal for the last three seasons he may want to test himself at another big club in Europe.
A string of Premier League clubs have discussed him, but the more likely destination would be to Italy where his former club Inter have made secret of wanting to work with him again.
If the manager did leave, then Griezmann seems certain to be following him away from the Spanish capital.
And that uncertainty would leave United in a strong position to make a serious effort to sign one of the stars of Euro 2016 next summer.
The club are aware they would have to go close to the world record £109million they paid for Paul Pogba if they are to persuade Atletico to do business.
But the Old Trafford board have told the money is there for Mourinho if he wants to spend it.