Antoine Griezmann’s odds on joining Manchester United are drifting after it emerged that the Old Trafford giants have backed away from paying his buy-out clause of over £80million.

United are reportedly ready to stick with Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season, which has long been part of their plans but his long-term fitness remains a doubt – which has reportedly seen Jose Mourinho make another number 9 more of a priority.

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Griezmann has long been a favourite to land at United, although that appeared to be more difficult after Atletico had their appeal against their transfer ban rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Atletico will be unable to make any signings until January 2018 – which means the Spanish club will not want to lose any players, as they won’t be able to sign anyone, with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Diego Costa having to forget about summer switch to Diego Simeone’s side.

Despite the ban on Atletico signing players, that would not stop Griezmann leaving as they can sell and the Frenchman does have a release clause – which United or any other club could activate.

Reports are now actually linking Lacazette to Manchester United as a possible alternative to Griezmann, along with the likes of Andrea Belotti, Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku.

Ahora más que nunca #Atleti #Todosjuntos ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nfxcwInM2B

— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) June 1, 2017

Griezmann himself tweeted saying ‘Now more than ever’ with many presuming that was a sign he would be staying put.

Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey confirmed that United sources are making it known that they cooled their interest.

“Sources close to United are confirming that they are still looking for a forward, but they may be looking elsewhere – it remains to be seen if they stick with this new plan,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.

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