Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann by holding further talks with the player's representatives.
The France international, a close friend of current United ace Paul Pogba, is said to have been targeted as a replacement for skipper Wayne Rooney after his sharp decline in form.
Griezmann has previously claimed that he is very happy at the Vicente Calderon, where he has a contract that runs until 2021, but Premier League clubs Man United and Chelsea - plus French moneybags Paris Saint-Germain - have all been linked with the 25-year-old over the past 18 months.
According to The Mirror, United are prepared to spend big once again to land the striker and are confident that they can tempt Griezmann into leaving the Spanish capital.
Having scored 50 goals for Diego Simeone's side, the Real Sociedad starlet is expected to fetch up to £80m should he depart Atleti, although it is claimed that PSG already had a bid in that region turned down in the summer.
Griezmann has hit the ground running this season, too, with seven goals in 12 appearances for club and country.
Daniel Lewis
