Manchester United have reportedly been offered Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann in an outrageous swap deal involving Victor Lindelof.
The Catalan giants are eager to reduce their huge wage bill and see offloading Griezmann as an easy way to do that.
He had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, who he left in 2019, in a swap deal involving Saul Niguez.
But Gol Digitol have reported that doesn’t look likely and Barcelona have turned their attentions to United and Lindelof.
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United have tied down Edinson Cavani for another year, but it is believed they’d like another forward.
Lindelof regularly started at the back with captain Harry Maguire last season as United finished second in the Premier League.
The Sweden international has been a regular since arriving at Old Trafford from Benfica in 2017.
But Tuesday saw the club announce a deal in principle for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, likely meaning Lindelof will fall down the pecking order.
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Griezmann’s departure would allow Barcelona to register club legend Lionel Messi, who is technically a free agent right now.
The World Cup winner scored 20 goals in all competitions so far but hasn’t fully settled since his £100 million move.
He isn’t the only one Ronald Koeman is willing to part ways with however.
Marca say Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele are also being shown off to European clubs.
Club president Joan Laporta hasn’t been shy in admitting there is interest in Griezmann.
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He said earlier this week: “[Griezmann] is a Barcelona player, he has a contract in force, and unless there are different circumstances then we have him [here].
“There have been movements in the market, but it is normal in the transfer market.
“We can’t deny that there has been interest in the player and that shows his quality.”
Barcelona finished third in La Liga last season and are keen to come back stronger in the new campaign.
Hard-working, connected, laughing, enjoying: Antoine Griezmann isn’t affected by transfer rumours at all as he continues to give his all for Barça, like he’s always done. [sport] pic.twitter.com/HmmRdmPpIO
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 30, 2021
Summer signings so far have included Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.
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