Manchester United’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s striker Antoine Griezmann looks far less likely now, according to a report in the Independent.
Griezmann looked to be heading to Old Trafford but the move was seriously derailed when Atletico’s transfer ban was upheld.
It means that they couldn’t replace their star man if they sold him and, according to the Independent report, manager Diego Simeone has convinced Griezmann to stay.
It is said Griezmann phoned United personally to tell them the news.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out with a serious injury, Mourinho will now have to look back into the elite striker pool this summer and pull a rabbit from the hat.
To help him, This is Futbol has put together five perfect alternatives:
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean goal machine has been the centre of talks surrounding his future at the Emirates over recent months and it would be a real coup if Mourinho could persuade the 28-year old to move to Old Trafford.
The move would also find favour from United legend Bryan Robson after he told the Evening Standard that Sancehz is “exactly the type that we would like here”.
He would be a fantastic replacement for both Ibrahimovic and Griezmann, and comes with a Premier League seal of approval after scoring 24 goals from 38 games for Arsenal last season, with 11 assists.
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku and Mourinho have history together, which could make a move more likely.
The 24-year old played for Chelsea under Mourinho’s second reign at Stamford Bridge, and since then he’s improved tenfold to become one of the best striker’s in the Premier League.
What’s more, Mourinho could dangle Rooney as bait for the Everton striker.
Rooney plus £60million could prove very tempting for manager Koeman.
With 39 goals under his belt this season, the Belgian would be able to step up and fill the boots of giant Zlatan easily.
Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette is another man whose transfer has been seemingly derailed by Atletico’s transfer ban.
Arsenal are keen after having an offer for the striker rejected last summer, but United have a trump card if Lacazette wants to come to the Premier League – Champions League football.
Lacazette scored an impressive 36 goals for Lyon last season, and for that success his price tag sits at around £50m. A justified amount for the reds to replace their injured striker.
Andrea Belotti
The current Torino No 9 would be a great choice for United with an impressive 26 goals in just 34 games for his club in Serie A last season.
At 23-years old he would be a welcome addition to strengthen the attacking ability of Mourinho’s squad, yet he also comes with a hefty price.
Torino want £85m for the Serie A goalscorer, which was close to the price Mourinho was considering paying for the release clause of Griezmann.
While it’s not completely out of United’s budget, would Mourinho really pay that kind of money for Belotti?
Kylian Mbappe
This French teenager is at the top of many clubs’ transfer wish lists this summer, and Mourinho would love to land the Ligue 1 sensation.
However, following three reported rejections of offers from clubs including Arsenal and Real Madrid, including a world record bid of £105million, Mbappe could prove too expensive even for United.
The Monaco striker has scored 26 goals for his side over the course of the season, and Mourinho would love to bag a young forward with this much talent.
But he already has Rashford, and as he showed with Ibrahimovic, Mourinho is looking for someone with more experience to lead his line.