Manchester United's pursuit of Antoine Griezmann could still hinge on a decision in Switzerland due tomorrow.
Atletico Madrid are hoping a transfer ban judgement from the Court of Arbitration in Lausanne might hand them an 11th hour helping hand to persuade the French forward to stay in Spain and snub a move to Jose Mourinho's United.
Atletico were handed a two window transfer ban by FIFA last year relating to the illegal signings of youth team players.
FIFA imposed the ban on registering new players as punishment for Atletico breaking rules introduced to prevent child trafficking and luring youngsters from their home country.
Atletico denied the charge and went to the Court of Arbitration with their appeal.
The decision is expected tomorrow but Atletico believe it may sway Griezmann.
The 26-year-old recently lamented that Atletico were falling short of winning the major trophies.
He viewed future transfer activity as key to the Spanish club bridging the gap between finishing third in La Liga and also winning the Champions League having been runners up in the tournament twice in the past three years.
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“I'll see what the club will do. It depends on transfers. I don't know if they understand but all the players, the media, my family, know that I like football to win trophies, to live strong emotions. I want to taste it,” he said recently.
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If the Court of Arbitration come down in favour of Atletico at the appeal and lift the ban it will free up the club to buy in the players that could take them to silverware.
It was reported this week that Griezmann had told Atletico he was quitting but the club have now denied it.
The forward is understood to love the Spanish way of life and Atletico are hoping now the Switzerland decision could convince him they can match his ambitions.
United, though, remain confident that they will land Griezmann when they activate his £87m escape clause in his contract.
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