ESPN reported earlier this week<\/a> that star forward Griezmann was in talks with the MLS<\/a> side over a move, despite having a contract at Atletico until 2027. Sources say an agreement is close to being completed, with both the player and Orlando keen for the deal to happen now.<\/p>\n World Cup winner Griezmann is Atl\u00e9tico’s all-time top goalscorer, and continues to be a key member of the team — making 22 LaLiga appearances this season — as they fight for trophies, with a Copa del Rey<\/a> semifinal second leg against Barcelona<\/a> coming up on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Speaking earlier this week, Simeone said Griezmann was “in a place where he deserves to choose what he wants to do” given his contribution to the club.<\/p>\n “I was quite clear the other day, when I was asked about it,” Simeone said in a news conference on Friday, ahead of Atl\u00e9tico’s LaLiga game at Oviedo. “I’m not going to keep talking about it … We don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not going to repeat how important Antoine is to us, we know that.”<\/p>\n Friday’s Champions League last 16 draw pitted Atl\u00e9tico against Tottenham, with the first leg to be played on March 10 or 11 at the Metropolitano, and the return leg in London on March 17 or 18.<\/p>\n “Antoine has this season and two more years of contract with us, and he’s absolutely focused on what’s coming up,” director of football Mateu Alemany said, speaking after the Champions League draw. “He’s performing very well. We’re thinking about him helping us tomorrow, on Tuesday and in the Champions League … All the rest is speculation.”<\/p>\n Sources have told ESPN that Griezmann could now depart before that, with a possible farewell game being against former club Real Sociedad<\/a> in LaLiga on March 7.<\/p>\n – UCL talking points: Madrid, PSG or Italian football — who is worse off?<\/a>Antoine Griezmann is edging closer to a move to the MLS.\u00a0Maria Gracia Jimenez\/Soccrates\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
– MLS Power Rankings: LAFC No. 1 after win over Miami, Messi<\/a><\/p>\n