Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils set to save £91.5m if they sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in January after changes to release clause

MANCHESTER UNITED missed out on the chance to secure the signing of Atletico Madrid ace Antoine Griezmann this summer.

However, the Reds could secure the Frenchman for a heavily reduced fee if they decide to target him in January.

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Reuters

While being interviewed on French TV earlier this summer, Griezmann labelled his chances of moving to Manchester Untied as 60 per cent.

Shortly after this, Atletico were hit with a transfer ban and the forward opted to stay put.

Griezmann signed a new contract extension that saw his release clause rocket from £91.57million to £183.14m.

However, this new deal expired on August 31, 2017 and his release clause is set to be halved.

This means that if United signed the Frenchman during the transfer window, they would have forked out twice the amount that he will be allowed to leave for in January.

Spanish giants Barcelona have also indicated their interest in the Frenchman, so United might be forced into securing a mid-season move.

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Reds boss Jose Mourinho decided to focus his funds elsewhere and managed to introduce a number of new names to Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic all switched to United this summer.

The absence of Griezmann has not been noticeable following United’s formidable start.

Mourinho’s side are currently perched at the top of the pile after executing three wins in as many outings in the Premier League.

New boy Lukaku has found his feet quickly at Old Trafford, tallying three goals already this term.

EPA

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