According to reports from The Metro this morning, Manchester United are lining up a shock bid for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann – despite him only moving to the Vincente Calderon last summer.
The France international has been in absolutely sensational form for the Spanish champions, netting 23 times already during his debut campaign – including a return of 20 goals in 31 La Liga appearances.
That potent haul has built upon the reputation the winger-forward gained during his five years at Real Sociedad, firing the Anoeta outfit from the depths of the Spanish second tier to the Champions League with 52 goals in 201 appearances.
The 24 year-old has enjoyed a fluid transition to Atletico’s more pragmatic style, but it appears United now want to whisk him away from the Spanish capital.
The Metro believe that would require a fee of around £33m, but the Red Devils are by no means Griezmann’s only suitors. Premier League table toppers Chelsea have also been mooted by The Metro after being linked to the Frenchman by The Express last summer, whilst Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are known long-term admirers.
Van Gaal should go for proven players such as Griezzman, not failures such as Falcao.