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Barcelona news: Man Utd deadline revealed in Antoine Griezmann transfer battle
BARCELONA have set a July 1 deadline to wrap up their deal for Antoine Griezmann, meaning Manchester United have six weeks to hijack the transfer.
Antoine Griezmann is wanted by both Barcelona and Man Utd
Barcelona are desperate to sign Griezmann and are expected to secure the move this summer.
The Atletico Madrid forward has an £87.5m (€100m) release clause this summer, making him an attractive proposition for Europe’s elite clubs.
Barcelona are understood to be tracking him, while United have been monitoring the France international since last summer.
And Spanish newspaper SPORT claim Barcelona have a date in mind for their unveiling of the striker.
According to the report, Barca expected to sign Griezmann on the day the Spanish transfer window opens on July 1.
Barcelona hope to get a deal sorted for Antoine Griezmann before Man Utd get their hands on him
But United could hijack that move before then.
The Premier League’s transfer window officially opened on Thursday, meaning English top-flight clubs can buy players between now and August 9.
It means United have just over six weeks to sneak ahead of rivals Barcelona and wrap up a deal.
SPORT claim Barca want to open talks with Griezmann immediately after Atletico’s final game of the season on Sunday.
Antoine Griezmann won the Europa League with Atletico on Wednesday night
They also hope to have an agreement in place with the striker before June 16 - the date of France’s first World Cup game.
Yet June 30 is perhaps the most important date, as the day afterwards is when his £175m (€200m) release clause drops to £87.5m for this summer only.
Manchester United could feasibly therefore trigger the deal on June 30 and beat Barca to the striker.