The Daily Rojiblanco: October 25, 2017

Good morning! Atlético are in Valencia getting ready to take on Elche in the Copa del Rey last 32. Here’s how you can catch that game.

• Surprise, surprise: Manchester United renew interest in Griezmann

Since last summer rumors have swirled about the future of Antoine Griezmann, with many believing the French striker would join Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils in Manchester. Griezmann, however, opted to renew for another season in light of Atlético Madrid’s FIFA-imposed registration ban.

Since then a number of teams have made their interest in Griezmann known, while rumors of a transfer to United seemed to cool — in part due to United’s pick up of Romelu Lukaku from Everton. Now it seems that United have renewed their interest in Griezmann, with an eye toward signing him this summer.

Atlético manager Diego Simeone has spoken highly of Griezmann, even intimating recently that the team has become dependent on his ability to bail them out in tight situations. With this in mind, letting the player go would be a significant blow to the squad — but as ever, if someone meets his €100 buyout clause, it’s game over. Recent signing Diego Costa could become the team’s talisman again once he is registered in January, but Griezmann’s future will remain a top concern for the time being.

• Interest brewing for Inter Milan center back

It seems that highly touted center back Milan Škriniar is on Atlético’s radar after a strong start to his campaign in Serie-A. The Slovakian was tracked by Atleti over the summer and has quickly established himself as a strong presence in the back for Inter Milan. The combination of aging veterans and young talent that have failed to establish themselves has left los colchoneros with some uncertainty in their once-vaunted defensive unit. As such, we can expect links to emerging defensive talent to become the norm entering the next transfer cycle.