United move could Griez wheels for Aguero deal

ATLETICO MADRID will target a return for former hero Sergio Aguero if they lose Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United in the summer. The Spanish club sold Aguero to Manchester City for £38million six years ago.

But the Argentina striker, 28, is no longer an automatic first choice pick at City under boss Pep Guardiola and it is clear that Gabriel Jesus, 19, is seen as the future No.1 man.

Aguero was dropped to the bench for Wednesday night’s 4-0 win at West Ham, although City boss Guardiola insists he still has an important contribution to make at The Etihad.

But Atletico boss Diego Simeone is a big fan of the City striker and the Madrid club could afford the £70m valuation on Aguero if they sold Griezmann (above) for £85m. That is a deal United intend on doing for the France finisher, 25.

There would be plenty of interest in Aguero, though, if there was any indication from City – who are at home to Swansea today – that they were prepared to let him go. He would also be a target for Real Madrid and teams in China while he is expected one day to return to Argentina to play either for his first club Independiente or Boca Juniors. And if Aguero asked to leave, City would be unlikely to force him to stay, in recognition of his status as a club legend and the huge contribution he has made to their success.

City, meanwhile, are again eyeing Athletic Bilbao central defender Aymeric Laporte as a summer target.

Stopper Laporte, 22, has a £60m buy-out clause in his contract. PAUL HETHERINGTON