Bharath Rammr
As the January transfer window approaches, it is the time for numerous transfer rumours surrounding top clubs like Manchester United. The Red Devils have been linked with many players throughout the season. And the Sun has reported that Michael Keane and Antoine Griezmann tops the list of Manchester United right now. Former United defender Keane has excelled since joining Burnley and after managing to demonstrate his quality even in the Premier league, transfer rumours have linked United with a move for the 23-year-old.
Keane has just started featuring for the England national team and it is something that will drive his price up north quite significantly. Currently valued at around £10 million, one of the reasons for Burnley being unable to command more than this figure is the player’s short time left on the contract. Keane’s existing deal runs out in the summer of 2018 and the player has so far refused to sign on a new contract. Rather than taking a risk of losing the player on a free transfer, the club may be prepared to listen to offers in January.
Another potential possibility for a summer transfer is Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, who has just finished third in the Ballon d’Or award list for 2016. After an impressive time with Atletico that saw the striker score 22 league goals last season, Griezmann only lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the race for the Ballon d’Or this year and no player need to be ashamed of this situation. His release clause of around £85.5 million puts him within the reach of United, who may not have to have any transfer negotiations with Atletico in order to conclude the move.
The presence of Paul Pogba has been mooted as a major factor in helping United edge closer towards signing the 25-year-old. Griezmann enjoys a great friendship with Pogba, which has been well documented on numerous occasions. The forward has also stated that he would like to play with the 22-year-old on more occasions than just with the French national team.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone is widely expected to step down at the end of the campaign. His contract runs out in the summer of 2018 after he renegotiated with the club to reduce the length of the deal. Atletico’s continuing problems in the La Liga appear to have convinced the Atletico boss that he needs a change and possibly a new challenge. His departure could result in a number of top players also following suit and one of the primary names could be Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann is increasingly being seen as a replacement for Wayne Rooney, who has one league goal in 12 appearances this season.
