Guardiola hatches secret plan to stop Antoine Griezmann transfer - claim

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Guardiola hatches secret plan to stop Antoine Griezmann transfer - claim
Antoine Griezmann is wanted by Barcelona.

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly hatched a secret plan which stops Barcelona signing Antoine Griezmann.

Barcelona have been tracking the France international for a number of years and were rumoured to be making a move for the forward in the January transfer window.

However, Atletico Madrid reported the Catalan outfit to UEFA and they were forced to release a statement withdrawing their interest.

Ernesto Valverde's side will apparently try to capture Griezmann again in the summer, when his buy-out clause reduces to €100million (£88m).

But according to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Guardiola has an idea which will throw a spanner in the works.

The City boss will apparently try everything in his power to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Harry Kane at the end of the season.

Diario Gol add that if that fails, then the Spaniard will battle for Griezmann.

But Guardiola is hoping to use an ace in Sergio Aguero.

City will reportedly offer the Argentina international as part of the deal which in turn will reduce the fee.

Is it said Aguero is valued at €50m (£44m) - reducing the price they have to pay for Griezmann by half.

The deal should also appease Atletico who will not have to go out of their way to find a replacement.

The decision would then be down to the striker, but it is unclear if Barcelona would have the financial muscle to compete with City in the wages department, especially after splashing £142m on Philippe Coutinho in the winter window.