French star Antoine Griezmann has been deemed as a viable replacement for captain Wayne Rooney at Manchester United. The chiefs at United are believed to have identified the Atletico Madrid forward as their next big signing.
Griezmann, who is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this season, has been linked with a move to the Old Trafford side since the start of the new season. It now seems that Manchester United have stepped up the chase of the French forward this week.
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As reported in the Mirror, United held further talks with the Madrid side about Griezmann's availability. Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman of the 20-time English champions, has identified Griezmann as the next marquee signing.
Manchester United is looking for a 20-goal a season striker, the type of player they have lacked in attack in the last few seasons. With Wayne Rooney's dismal run of performances, Jose Mourinho has benched the England captain and preferred Marcus Rashford in the starting XI instead.
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Mourinho brought in four new signings in Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba in the summer, however, United still lack a creative player in the attacking third.
The 25-year-old striker, who can play anywhere in the front the three, and has been identified as the player that fits the profile. Griezmann scored 22 goals in 38 La Liga appearances last season and also lead his national team to the finals of the Euro Cup 2016. He won the Golden Boot at the Euros and has started this season brightly by scoring six goals in six games.
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As reported earlier, the future of the Atletico Madrid number seven at the Vicente Calderon is in doubt following Diego Simeone's uncertain future at the club. Griezmann recently cut ties with his agent over the summer and is now represented by his father.
With close friend Paul Pogba seemingly persuading the Griezmann, the odds of the deal happening has never been higher. However, English giants Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in signing the talented player from the La Liga side, as well as Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain
If he joins Pogba in England, it will definitely mark the end of Wayne Rooney's career at United.
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