Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been given the green light to bring Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to Stamford Bridge in a world-record deal, according to a report.
The Blues are expected to go head to head with Premier League rivals Manchester United for the Frenchman's signature when the transfer window reopens for business in the New Year.
Griezmann has an £86m release clause inserted into his contract, which the Red Devils are expected to meet, but Chelsea are also said to be firmly in the race and are willing to go even higher with their bid.
It is claimed by The Express that Conte has permission from owner Roman Abramovich to surpass the £89m United splashed out to land Paul Pogba from Juventus recently - enough to fight off competition from Jose Mourinho who is more reluctant to enter a bidding war.
Griezmann has top-scored for Atletico in each of the last two seasons, while also registering six goals for host nation France at Euro 2016 to collect the Golden Boot award.
The same report suggests that Diego Costa, a long-term target for former side Atletico, may also be used as a makeweight in any deal should they successfully appeal their transfer ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Daniel Lewis
