Atletico Madrid label Manchester United a small club and tell them Antoine Griezmann is going nowhere this summer

ATLETICO MADRID president Enrique Cerezo has told Manchester United they are a small club – and that Antoine Griezmann is going nowhere this summer.

United have made Griezmann their number one transfer target and are working on a £60million deal to take him to Old Trafford.

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The club have even indicated they would be willing to hand the French midfielder the number seven shirt – worn by his idol David Beckham.

But Atleti president Cerezo claims United will be disappointed in their pursuit of Griezmann because the player will be staying with the La Liga club.

EFE

Cerezo said with a smile: “Manchester United? Small team.

“I believe in the contracts that people sign, that goes for [Diego] Simeone and Griezmann.

“Every time I see Antoine I give him a hug. Antoine is a fantastic player and loves life at Atletico.

“I don’t know what Manchester United’s interest is but Griezmann will be at Atletico for a long time”

Despite the claims of Cerezo, United remain confident they can get the deal over the line this summer and have the finances to pay what Atleti are wanting.

Griezmann only signed an improved contract last summer which doesn’t expire until 2021, so the Spanish club know they are in a strong position as a selling club.

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Cerezo's public stance is seen by United as little more than an attempt to force the asking price up, with Griezmann having a release clause in his contract of around £90m.

Atletic would prefer thee fee to rise higher than the £60m figure currently on the table, though they know the player is keen to move on this summer.