Atletico star Antoine Griezmann opens door for Manchester United transfer

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has revealed that his former agent Eric Olhats held talks with Manchester United in an "informal way" earlier in the summer and has opened the door for a future switch to Old Trafford after admitting a transfer is a "possibility".

The 26-year-old was a transfer target for United manager Jose Mourinho earlier in the summer. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) upheld Atletico's Fifa transfer embargo forcing the France international to continue with his current employers.

In his new book titled Behind the Smile, Griezmann has revealed that United legend David Beckham is his "absolute role-model". The former Real Sociedad confirmed a move to Old Trafford is possible and stressed that he is unsure if he will wear the Red Devils' jersey in the future.

"I have nothing against England, apart from the weather. Manchester United is a possibility. Although I love Paul Pogba a lot, that he is a Red Devil will not affect my decision. Eric spoke at the time to Manchester United in an informal way, I didn't. "I don't know if one day I will wear the Manchester United jersey," Griezmann writes in his book, as quoted by ESPN.

Griezmann has struggled to hit top form for Diego Simeone's side this season. Despite that, the forward has been a long-term target for United manager Jose Mourinho. In addition to this, Atletico's league rivals Barcelonaare in the race for his signature.

Mundo Deportivo claims the Catalan club are looking to have an agreement in principle with Atletico's star player with a view to joining Barcelona next summer. Griezmann has opened the door for a move away from Wanda Metropolitano after stating that he has not progressed at the Spanish capital club.

"For months now my name has come out linked with Manchester United. The English press said they were willing to pay €100m, that is, my release clause. I was not going to waste time denying it," he explained.

"No matter how much I repeat that I am delighted at Atletico, that I have a great coach and great teammates, they ask me regularly about my future.

"At Real Sociedad I realised I had reached a moment where I had to move to keep progressing, that has not happened at Atletico Madrid. Although, again, I rule nothing out."