Antoine Griezmann came close to joining the Red Devils over the summer (Getty)

Manchester United could sign Antoine Griezmann in January for £92million, according to reports in Spain.

The France international came close to joining the Red Devils over the summer but felt unable to leave Atletico Madrid due to their transfer embargo. With the Spanish club unable to sign a replacement, the forward felt he should show loyalty to the club where he has blossomed.

His former agent Eric Olhats said: ‘Griezmann didn’t feel able to leave Atletico. He’s been integral to them and has shown his commitment to the club at a time when they couldn’t sign players.

‘Without the Fifa sanctions he would have gone.’

The forward signed a new contract which saw his release clause doubled to £184m and ended all talk of an exit.

Antoine Griezmann with Atletico Madrid (Getty)

But a move could soon be back on the cards according to reports in Spain.

Marca and Mundo Deportivo claim his release clause has now dropped to £92m following the close of the summer window and could be triggered in January.

In addition, Atletico Madrid will be able to sign players during the winter transfer window and are expected to welcome Chelsea striker Diego Costa back to the club.

Diego Costa is expected to re-join Atletico Madrid in January (Getty)

That could see Griezmann freed from his self-imposed obligation to remain with Atletico. Reports suggest he would be open to a move.

Whether Manchester United would be as desperate for the deal as they were this summer remains to be seen. Since being snubbed by the Frenchman they’ve signed Romelu Lukaku in attack and will expect Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be returning to action around the turn of the year.

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