United manager Jose Mourinho wants French international Antoine Griezmann next in his squad at Old Trafford, reports say.
The Portuguese tactician is already reaping the fruits of his investment following the performance of his summer additions. Mourinho got Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer from French giant Paris St. Germain, Eric Baily joined from Spain for £30 million, Henrikh Mhikataryan joined from Dortmund, and the world record transfer fee was broken to land Paul Pogba. The fee exceeded that of Gareth Bale signed by Real Madrid in 2013, but the Sunday Mirror claims that Mourinho is already planning to break the record to get Griezmann next.
The news report by the outlet say the former Chelsea manager has made Griezmann his top target for the next season. They claim the deal is already set in motion through third parties. He is believed to be the replacement for Three Lions skipper Wayne Rooney, following talks of his imminent retirement. Wayne Rooney recently confessed to having plans of retiring after the World Cup in 2018, if England make it. The 30-year old already acknowledged that e would love to end his career at Old Trafford, so he could get other options aside the playing role after his contributions to the club. For now, United have started making succession plans, and Griezmann seems to be the chosen one.
Griezmann is with Atletico Madrid, and being their star player, it would cost Man United an arm and a leg to sign him. The 25-year old had an amazing last term, helping his club to the third place in the La Liga, and helping them make yet another UEFA Champions League final. His deal with the Spanish side won’t end until 2021, but United could force a deal if they drop a huge offer.