Barcelona and Atletico Madrid appear likely to end a months-long fiasco involving Antoine Griezmann with reports suggesting the two clubs are close to an agreement for the France international. 

Griezmann, 31, re-joined Atletico Madrid last year on a two-year loan from Barcelona. The deal was subject to a number of clauses, one of which would have seen Atletico have to pay Barcelona £35m should the Frenchman have played at least 45 minutes in 50 per cent of the matches he was available for over the two year period.

Having played over 45 minutes in over 80 per cent of Diego Simeone's side's fixtures last term, it had been assumed he would continue to remain a starter this year and Atletico Madrid would be forced to pay Barcelona the fee.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly close to agreeing a permanent deal for Antoine Griezmann after weeks of fiasco involving his minutes 

However, this season has seen Griezmann introduced from 60 minutes onwards a number of times. He has only started two games, one in the league against Real Madrid and against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid lost both games. Some have suggested this has been a deliberate ploy to try and avoid having to pay the Catalan club the money. 

Simeone, when asked in September about the alleged plot replied: 'You've known me for 10 years as a coach. I'm a club man and I always will be.'

Now, according to ESPN, the fiasco appears to be coming to and end with the two clubs reportedly close to agreeing a permanent deal for the player.

The report claims that after talks the two clubs have come to a consensus that will see Atletico pay Barcelona just over half of the original £35m fee. 

Griezmann, who has seen his minutes significantly limited owing to the bizarre situation, had understandably wanted to see the matter resolved sooner rather than later with a World Cup fast approaching. 

The resolution appears to suit all parties. Griezmann's multi-million pound move to Catalonia was an unmitigated disaster essentially from the get-go, with the Frenchman rarely appearing comfortable and the fans somewhat resenting his presence in a difficult period for the club. 

Barcelona risked the matter of Griezmann returning next summer at the conclusion of the two-year loan with not much of a market for a player believed to be on astronomical wages. 

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid retain a player who is firmly etched into the club's fabric despite the animosity of his 2019 departure. Griezmann is the club's fourth highest ever goalscorer having initially joined in 2014 from Real Sociedad. 

For the player, the resolution appearing to have been found prior to the World Cup affords him the opportunity to try and get up to speed before the tournament begins in Qatar on November 20. 

France are bidding to retain their crown having claimed the Jules Rimet trophy for a second time in their history in 2018.