Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Antoine Griezmann,

Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann has admitted he thought about leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer, but the French forward has insisted he's now happy in the Spanish capital.




Speaking to GQ France (h/t Uche Amako of the Daily Express), Griezmann revealed how he'd thought about leaving Atleti when manager Diego Simeone's future was questioned after last season: "I had some doubts [about my future at Atletico Madrid] last summer when there were reports Simeone could leave."





However, Griezmann also pointed out how a phone call to Simeone convinced him the Vicente Calderon was still the best place for him: "I need to stay with him and work for him a bit more. But that doesn't necessarily mean I would follow him if he leaves Atletico."

Now Griezmann is clear he is still content with life at Atleti: "My team-mates here really appreciate me. I have reached this level thanks to them. I get better every week. I need them, and I love playing for Atletico. I do not think I need to move to reach the next level."

That last line will hardly be music to the ears of decision-makers at Old Trafford. Not after the Red Devils have regularly been linked with the fleet-footed French forward.

Back in September, John Richardson of the Daily Mirror named Griezmann as United manager Jose Mourinho's top transfer target for next summer. Some former players for the club have even lauded the move.

Ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes recently touted Griezmann as the level of attacker United should target, speaking to BT Sport (h/t the Mirror's Thomas Bristow): "I think Griezmann would be up there. He looks a top centre forward at Atletico, and I think we have to be in the market for someone like that."

There's no doubt Griezmann has the talent to upgrade any team. No other forward in Europe can match his intelligence off the ball. His runs are perceptive and always put him in scoring positions.

Griezmann can finish with aplomb with either foot and is surprisingly effective in the air. His pace, timing and instincts would be perfect for the kind of counter-attack game Mourinho loves.

However, Atletico would be foolish to let their star attraction go without a fight. Griezmann is vital to the club's continued efforts to keep pace with city rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain's top flight, as well as compete in the UEFA Champions League

Sabetti also pointed out how Fire coach Veljko Paunovic has already met with the player.

Schweinsteiger has spent most of November linked with a move to MLS. Squawka's Greg Stobart recently detailed how the midfield man would prefer playing in either New York or Los Angeles.

An exit from Old Trafford has seemed likely since Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal as manager in the summer. Back in August, the Guardian's Jamie Jackson pointed out the Manchester club would let Schweinsteiger leave for free to hasten his exit.

A swift exit would be the best thing for both player and club. It hasn't worked out for Schweinsteiger in the Premier league, a player who has come to symbolise United's struggles to rebuild since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013.

Getting back to regularly winning major trophies is likely to require continued hefty investment from Mourinho. He won't find a better player to invest the club's resources in than Griezmann.