Guardiola in contact with Kane back-up as Man City striker search goes on

Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot, Raphael Varane, N'Golo Kante. France TEAMtalk

Reports in France claim Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken with Antoine Griezmann who will be allowed to leave Barcelona if they receive the right offer.

Griezmann, 30, has been with Barca for two years, with the Catalans paying Atletico Madrid €120m for the France forward. The move has not been an unqualified success as the former Real Sociedad ace has, at times, struggled to hit the heights. Having scored more than a goal every other game with Atletico, he has found the net 35 times in 99 outings.

He has been a regular LaLiga starter, having been given the nod 63 times across two campaigns in the Spanish top flight. Those outings have reaped just 22 goals and he has looked devoid of confidence at times.

But there have been plenty of excellent displays as well and he remains a potent force in he European game. However, with Barca struggling financially, there looks set to be an exodus this summer.

And the Macon-born star may be vulnerable to an exit. City have been linked for some time, with reports Griezmann is a back-up option if they fail to land Harry Kane.

A report by Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) suggests Barcelona ‘won’t hold the Frenchman back if an adequate offer arrives’. It is not known what that offer might be but he is under contract until 2024 and will not leave on the cheap.

Mutual respect between Guardiola and Griezmann

City’s manager has made no secret of his admiration for the man with 95 France caps. And the same report claims that the Spaniard has ‘spoken’ on the phone with Griezmann himself.

The Citizens are still in the market for a striker after Sergio Aguero’s exit. Kane looks to be their top target but his price tag remains an issue.

Transfer Chatter - Liverpool want Adama, Tottenham in for Bundesliga defender and Gabriel Jesus to Turin?

Transfer Chatter - Liverpool want Adama, Tottenham in for Bundesliga defender and Gabriel Jesus to Turin?

Liverpool are in for Wolves' Adama Traore. Tottenham enquire for exciting Bundesliga centre-back and Gabriel Jesus could be heading to Italy to link up with former teammate, with more rumours all in today's transfer chatter.

Tottenham are holding out for more than the £100m the champions have proffered to date. Should the two clubs fails to find an accord, then all eyes will turn to the Nou Camp.

Griezmann is one of many players tipped to leave Barca as they look to balance the books. The club’s money men are still trying to find a solution to the Lionel Messi problem.

Pep Guardiola frustrated, Man City Champions League final defeat versus Chelsea, May 2021

The Argentina superstar is out of contract and they want him to stay. But his wage demands are proving a sizeable hurdle to overcome.

The sale of a few high-profile players will help and City might be one club to take advantage of the situation.

READ MORE: LaLiga chief explains why Man City cannot sign Lionel Messi