Manchester United risk losing top transfer target to Barcelona

Manchester United fear missing out on Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona, reports The Independent. 

Jose Mourinho’s side were heavily linked with a move for the France international last summer but failed to secure his services after Atletico were hit with a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. 

Atletico would not have been able to sign a replacement if Griezmann left and the 26-year-old opted to stay before signing a bumper new contract. 

However, Griezmann is widely expected to leave Diego Simeone’s side at the end of the season and now United face serious competition from Barcelona for his signature. 

The current La Liga leaders are still looking to replace Neymar and are now the frontrunners for Griezmann’s signature. 

Griezmann is no longer seen as a priority signing for United following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, but Mourinho is still interested in the Atletico No.7, although other players are also being considered by the Premier League giants. 

The Frenchman has struggled to rediscover his best form this season, netting only five times in 12 league matches. However, he has played a direct hand in eight goals in his last eight appearances in all competitions.