BARCELONA and Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to agreeing a cut-price £22million deal for Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann, 31, has grown frustrated this season by a loan clause that has seen him introduced after the hour-mark in every match he’s played this season.
Atletico must pay Barca £35m if Griezmann play more than 45 minutes in 14 or more games for Atletico this season.
And Diego Simeone is working around it by subbing Griezmann on after the hour mark.
Barca were reportedly preparing legal action as they felt they were already owed the money.
However, according to L’Equipe, the two sides will instead find a compromise.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
It’s claimed Barcelona and Atletico only communicate through the player’s lawyer, Sevan Karian, who has assumed the role of mediator.
Atletico will pay Barca a lesser fee worth £22m with Griezmann’s short cameos coming to an end.
The report states negotiations should be concluded during the upcoming international break.
That will be music to Griezmann’s ears, as he is hoping to make France’s 2022 Qatar World Cup squad, having won the tournament in 2018.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Despite playing limited minutes, Griezmann has a good relationship with manager Simeone and Atletico.
And he has paid back his manager in goals, netting three times across all competitions this season, including a last-gasp winner in the Champions League against Porto.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
