Having missed out on Alexis Sanchez, might Manchester City instead be eyeing up a move for Antoine Griezmann?
Yes, says The Sun, which reports that the Sky Blues are ready to thrash out a deal with Atletico Madrid to secure the Gallic goalscorer - in return for sending Sergio Aguero in the opposite direction.
City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly desperate to land Griezmann and is ready to hand over Argentine ace Aguero, who turns 30 this year and is viewed as having passed the peak of his powers.
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The same can’t be said for the 26-year-old Griezmann, who is expected to star for France at this year’s World Cup and who has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford. And with United having signed Sanchez from Arsenal earlier this week, the way is now clear for City to make a bid for the French frontman.
Meanwhile, Aguero “has been sounded out over a shock return” to Atletico, the club he left for City in 2011 in a then-record £38m deal, says The Sun.
The La Liga outfit want him back in Spain in order to form a partnership with former Chelsea forward Diego Costa. A club source told the newpaper: “Atletico have contacted Sergio’s representatives to see if there is any chance of getting him back.”
The source added that “City have made discreet enquiries over Griezmann in the past, so there is the interest from both sides”.
The Sun reports that the Frenchman has a £85m buyout clause. With City valuing Aguero at around £60m, that would leave the Premier League leaders with only £25m shortfall to make up.
