Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann shatters Chelsea's hopes of signing him

There's always a danger of reading fat too much into what players say in public interviews, but Antoine Griezmann's latest declaration regarding his long-term future seems pretty obvious even at face value.  The 25-year-old Atlético Madrid star is currently with France national football team, and in an interview with Sky Sports Germany, declared his desire to play alongside his (good friend?) Paul Pogba not just at international level but at club level as well.

"I always ask Paul Pogba about Manchester United. I think they are a huge club with a really good infrastructure. I ask Paul about some of the players, and if they're really that good, or if Jose Mourinho is really that good."

"You hear a lot of things [speculation] about Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain but right now I don't see me moving to a new club. But it would be awesome to play alongside Paul one day.''

-Antoine Griezmann; source: Sky Sports Germany via ESPN

So that's at least three long-term options that would probably be preferred ahead of Chelsea: Manchester United, PSG, or simply staying put, which is exactly what his short-term plans entail.

"I've just become a father, so I would not be eyeing a move right now. I am currently in good shape and want to get some titles with Atlético."

-Antoine Griezmann; source: Sky Sports Germany via Google Translate

Griezmann has been heavily linked to both Chelsea and Manchester United since the end of the summer transfer window, with Chelsea supposedly ready and wiling to meet the forward's massive release clause (£85m?) as part of the latest squad overhaul, should he become amicable to a move to West London.

Alas, it would appear that he has his heart set on other destinations.