Atletico Madrid line up former Liverpool striker as potential Griezmann replacement

Atletico Madrid do not want to lose Antoine Griezmann this summer but will move for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas if Manchester United land their top transfer target, reports AS.

Jose Mourinho has earmarked the signing of Griezmann as his top transfer target this summer and United are even prepared to break the world record fee for a player for the second season in a row as they look to continue to restore former glories to the club.

Atletico have already maintained Griezmann will not leave the club this summer but their desire to keep hold of their No.7 could be made redundant if United trigger Griezmann’s €100m release clause.

It remains to be seen whether Diego Simone’s side will be allowed to buy and sell players this summer as they wait to hear news on whether their appeal against a FIFA-imposed transfer ban has been successful, but they are drawing up contingency plans in case they fail to keep hold of Griezmann.

Aspas, 29, is perhaps best known outside of Spain for his failed stint at Liverpool but he has established himself as a consistent goalscorer for Celta since returning to his homeland in 2015.

In fact, in the last two La Liga campaigns only Athletic Club striker Aduriz (28) has scored more goals of Spanish players than Aspas (27).

For more stats on Iago Aspas, click here to visit his WhoScored player page