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According to a report in the Times, José Mourinho is planning a double swoop (how tabloidy) of Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñíguez and Antoine Griezmann. Depending on how good your eyesight is, this is the piece written by Duncan Castles.
From Duncan Castles in the Times : Jose plots £145m raid on Atletico - Griezmann and Saul Niguez linked pic.twitter.com/t0Acgzapbq
— James (@writtenoff_mufc) January 1, 2017
The two players have contract release clauses that will cost Manchester United £145m but Castles says that United will have to negotiate down these fees. That seems like something Atlético will not stand for.
In October 2016, Saul said 'As long as Simeone is here, no, I won't leave,’ which would obviously complicate matters for Mourinho trying to convince the Spaniard provided Simeone remains in charge.
If the Argentine is going to rebuild this summer - a big if, even with Griezmann’s departure still being discussed in the media - he will want to keep Saúl and this might throw a spanner in the works for any double signing. If Atleti are convinced that Griezmann wants to move on, the club will be willing to part with the £85m superstar, but Saúl is the latest name to be thrown into the mix.