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Atletico Madrid powerless to stop Manchester United transfer swoop due to release clause
MANCHESTER UNITED could trigger Diego Godin’s release clause and poach him from a powerless Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
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The Sun claim Manchester United have earmarked Godin, 30, as a viable target for January.
United are in need of defensive recruits, with Eric Bailly currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Chris Smalling is recovering from a foot injury, while Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo have been used as makeshift centre-halves in recent weeks.
Diego Godin (left) boasts over 100 caps for Uruguay
Manchester United supposedly want to sign Godin (left)
Godin joined Atletico Madrid in 2010
It is claimed United manager Jose Mourinho is keen on Godin and that a £30million bid could bring Atletico to the negotiating table.
But United may be able to force the transfer if they offer slightly more than their valuation of the Uruguayan.
According to the report, Godin has a release clause in his contract set at just over the £30m mark.
Were United to trigger the clause, Atletico would have to give way and give Godin’s party the opportunity to negotiate terms.
The player is supposedly happy in Madrid but United’s financial muscle means they would likely meet any wage demands he has.
Godin is currently paid £70,000 a week at Atletico, having arrived from Villarreal in 2010.
He boasts over 100 caps for Uruguay and was linked with a move to Chelsea last season.
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