Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a double move for two of the most prolific names in European football to strengthen their side next summer. According to The Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is getting ready for a summer of big spending on Antoine Griezmann and Radja Nainggolan.
Both the players are not new to being linked with a move to Old Trafford. In fact, the French striker came very close to joining Mourinho this summer, only for a minor issue to come in his way.
Griezmann’s move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United had to be put on hold because of Atletico’s transfer ban. Not only did the move not happen, but it also resulted in the player extending his contract with the Spanish club.
However, that hasn’t put off the Red Devils as the Old Trafford chiefs believe that it is only a matter of time before the player makes his move. Giving wings to their confidence is Atletico’s recent signing of Diego Costa.
The want-away Chelsea striker completed his move back to Atletico and will join them in January once the transfer ban is lifted. Some theories point out that Atletico’s move to sign Costa is to leverage themselves against the impending transfer of Griezmann.
The report also claims that United are watching AS Roma’s Nainggolan with a view to signing him as Michael Carrick’s replacement next summer. The Belgian midfielder signed a new contract with Roma in July, extending his stay with Roma until 2021.
That, however, is not a sign of his inclination to stay forever at the club. Nainggolan has always maintained that he may look for a new challenge if it comes from the right team.
Although the Belgian, who turns 30 in May, has maintained that he is happy to remain at his current club, United are keen to test the waters next summer.
So, how close to reality are these transfers? A deal for Griezmann looks like the most likely one to happen in current circumstances. Nainggolan’s case is different because the midfielder is not the profile that fits our transfer policy – especially once he turns 30.
