Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid manager, has said that he would not stand in Antoine Griezmann’s way should the player wish to move to Manchester United.

As The Independent revealed on Tuesday, the principles of a prospective summer deal for Griezmann between the two clubs have been verbally agreed, including the 25-year-old’s potential salary.

Griezmann is “extremely keen” to play alongside his international team-mate Paul Pogba at club level, and could succeed his close friend as the world’s most expensive footballer if the switch to Old Trafford goes ahead.

When pressed on Griezmann’s future ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Eibar, Simone said: “I don't tie anyone down, I simply keep working to continue getting better for the sake of the club.”

“[Griezmann] is in an extraordinary moment, is working well, has gotten back on the scoresheet and his form is good.

“It is normal that the best teams in the world want him. I am not surprised that the teams who are looking are the ones who can afford him.”

Manchester United's potential summer transfers Show all 6 1 /6 Manchester United's potential summer transfers Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> Victor Lindelof United have been linked with signing the Benfica centre-back for some time now. Rumours have however surfaced that the Red Devils might be deterred at the fact that the Swede has signed a new contract which will increase his release clause to a reported £50m. Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> Virgil van Dijk The Southampton central defender was subject to a lot of interest from the league’s big clubs approaching the January transfer window. Many clubs will likely return for him when the window reopens. Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> Antoine Griezmann One of the world’s most sought-after talents, United would have to pay big money to bring him to Old Trafford. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic coming to the end of his career, Griezmann could be seen as a long-term choice to spearhead United’s attack. Atletico’s main man won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2016, after scoring six goals. Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> James Rodriguez The Colombian international has spent most of this season on the sidelines, with most of his appearances coming from off the bench. Despite this, it would still require a high fee for Real Madrid to let him go after they signed him from Monaco for £63m. Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco This campaign, United have failed to have a consistent performer in the left-wing role with Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard flattering to deceive for the most part. Carrasco would be a perfect fit, slotting in alongside Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in their front three. They’d have to break the bank to prise the 23-year-old away from the Vicente Calderon, though. Manchester United's potential summer transfers <b>In:</b> Nelson Semedo United have been heavily linked with Semedo’s teammate Lindelof, but reports suggest that Mourinho is interested in the right-back also.

Simeone’s comments contrast with those from Atletico’s president Enrique Cerezo, who confirmed United's interest in Griezmann but played down chances of the player leaving Madrid in the short term.

“There are many offers,” Cerezo admitted to #Minuto0, the Spanish television programme. “I don’t know what will come of Manchester United’s interest.



“What I can say though is that Griezmann will be an Atletico player for a long time,” he added.



Griezmann has struggled to recreate his best form this term, having ended last season as top scorer at the European Championships.