Atletico Madrid president does not believe rivals will meet Antoine Griezmann's release clause

The Atletico chief has sought to downplay speculation of a summer transfer after Griezmann admitted that he is 'ready to leave' the club and that a move to United is 'possible'

President Enrique Cerezo suggested no-one would meet Griezmann's release clause (Getty)

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has played down speculation that Antoine Griezmann is on his way to Manchester United in the summer, arguing he does not believe any rivals would meet the Frenchman's £85m release clause.

This follows Griezmann's recent admission that he is “ready to leave” the La Liga side and that a move to United is “possible”.

Having avoided questions on his future at the Vicente Calderon throughout the past season, the Frenchman’s stance has now drastically changed following another campaign of limited success at the club.

But Cerezo insists Griezmann has never asked to leave Atletico and does not envisage any European competitors agreeing to meet the player’s £85m release clause.

"There has been no approach from Manchester United and nobody has offered to pay the clause and I don't think anyone will," he told Radio RMC.

"The situation is that Antoine Griezmann is an Atletico Madrid player and he has a contract until 2021.

"Never has he told me that he wants to leave."

Earlier this week Griezmann suggested he wanted to leave Atletico to win titles, having finished third in La Liga.

“If I have to move, it's not a problem,” the 26-year-old said. “It can be England, because it's the trend, Germany China or USA. I'm ready to leave.

“I've reached a point where playing nice football and scoring goals isn't enough. Winning titles, that's what I'm looking for.”

Antoine Griezmann has said he wants to be winning titles (Getty)

But Cerezo believes the Frenchman has been pushed into making such comments.

"I am not surprised by his statements when every day of the last few months, journalists ask him the same question.

"I believe he feels a little annoyed to have to always respond with the same when everyone knows the situation," he added.