ATLETICO MADRID are reportedly trying to bump-up Antoine Griezmann’s release clause to avoid losing him to Barcelona in a cut-price deal.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp for months.
And it seems certain that he will depart the Spanish capital this summer for the La Liga leaders.
But Mundo Deportivo claim Atletico want to raise his release fee up to £175m.
Griezmann is under contract with Diego Simeone’s side until 2022.
But the 27-year-old is available for a rather modest £87.5m at the end of the season under terms of his deal – unless he signs a new contract.
Atletico want to get as much value out of his sale as possible and are desperately trying to get him to pen an extension with the new escape figure written into it.
They are also believed to owe Griezmann’s former side Real Sociedad a 20 per cent cut of any fee they received.
MOUR TO TALK Jose to hold clear-the-air talks with United squad
The sell-on clause was included as part of the package that brought him to Madrid in 2014.
Speculation has been rife that the forward has already agreed terms with Barca to join them.
LATEST BARCELONA TRANSFER NEWS
He currently pockets £193,000-a-week at Atletico, but he is willing take a pay cut to move to the Catalan giants.
Griezmann, who was heavily linked with Manchester United a year ago, has become one of the most-feared marksmen in world football during his time under Simeone.
He has continued his goalscoring exploits this season with 23 in 38 matches.
How to win £1MILLION with Sun Six
SUN SIX is the new predictor game where you can win £1million – just by correctly picking the results of six games.
Here is how to get your mitts on the million:
- Make your picks – predict the scores from these six games
- Enter your details – quickly sign up to Sun Bets so we can contact you
- Score £1m – Watch the scores roll in and you can win £1m
Top pundits IAN WRIGHT and DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM have made their picks for this week if you need a steer.
And remember, you can claim a free £30 bet with Sun Bets when you sign up put a tenner on this weekend’s football here.
Leave a comment