Antoine Griezmann has emerged as a potential makeweight in a deal designed to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United - but the Frenchman's close relationship with Paul Pogba could hinder Atletico Madrid's attempts to send him to Old Trafford.
Atletico are pursuing an audacious deal for Ronaldo, who expressed his desire to quit United earlier this summer. The Spanish outfit would be able to offer the Portuguese superstar the Champions League football that he craves, but they could struggle to fund a move for the 37-year-old.
According to The Times, Griezmann has been earmarked as a potential solution to that dilemma, with the report claiming that Atletico have 'offered' the former Barcelona man to Manchester United as a sweetener to help seal a deal for Ronaldo.
Given that Erik ten Hag's side desperately need attacking reinforcements regardless of whether or not Ronaldo leaves the club in the next fortnight, the opportunity to acquire the services of a proven goalscorer would more than likely appeal to the former Ajax chief.
However, Griezmann's previous comments on Pogba could jeopardise any deal - with the 31-year-old admitting back in 2016 that he was always asking the former United midfielder about the club. Griezmann previously told Sky Sports: "I always ask Paul Pogba about Manchester United. I think they are a huge club with a really good infrastructure."
Griezmann's comments were made just months after Pogba had made his triumphant return to Old Trafford in a club-record deal. Unfortunately, his second stint in Manchester soon turned sour.
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Pogba became a maligned figure at Old Trafford after failing to live up to expectations before his time at the club came to an end again this summer - paving the way for him to re-sign for Juventus.
Given that Pogba is unlikely to give Manchester United a glowing recommendation to Griezmann, it remains to be seen if the versatile forward would be open to making his first foray into the Premier League with Ten Hag's side.
Griezmann made his name at Atletico, where he plundered 133 goals in 257 games, but has struggled to replicate his stunning goalscoring feats since returning to the club after a two-year stint at Barcelona.
The striker netted eight goals in all competitions for Diego Simeone's side last term and also scored in Atletico's 3-0 win over Getafe alongside Alvaro Morata, who could also be used as an alternative makeweight in any deal for Ronaldo.
