If you believe everything you read, you might think Antoine Griezmann was as good as a Manchester United player.
The Atletico Madrid star is widely expected to be Jose Mourinho’s chief target this summer as he looks to replace Wayne Rooney.
However, there is still a long way to go for the Frenchman to move to Old Trafford.
The forward’s future may depend on how long manager Diego Simeone stays at the Vicente Calderon for, but there is also another key factor affecting his decision.
The Sun report that the 25-year-old will turn down United if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, which must be a huge worry for the Premier League outfit.
Mourinho’s side have been sixth for months, and face stiff competition to make the top four.
Michael Carrick has insisted United won’t be celebrating if they do qualify for Europe’s elite competition, but perhaps they should be if it helps them to lure a world-class talent like Griezmann.
For all his prestige, there is a little glory lacking in his career so far.
In fact, there are those who see him as a perpetual loser after suffering defeat in both the Euro 2016 and Champions League finals last year, both times losing out to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Atleti have also missed out on a place in this year’s Copa del Rey final having lost a controversial semi-final to Barcelona.
It’s understandable, therefore, that he is reluctant to drop down to the Europa League, so United will have to work hard to ensure they have enough to offer him.
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