Manchester United want to complete a deal for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann this month and will make him the highest paid player in the Premier League to do so.
The Frenchman was keen on a move to Old Trafford last summer but felt obliged to stay in Madrid after Atletico had a transfer ban upheld.
The 26-year-old has had an inconsistent season under Diego Simeone and remains keen for a new challenge. However, Barcelona have since entered the bidding for Griezmann and offer the France international a greater opportunity to win titles.
Griezmann’s release clause is set at close to £92million but will increase past a certain date next summer. Both Barcelona and Manchester United were expected to trigger it before the increase.
However, United have accelerated a move for the Frenchman after recent injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to the Daily Star.
Jose Mourinho is urging his board to sign Griezmann in January and the club are willing to make him the highest paid player at the club on wages of £300,000-a-week.
That would narrowly eclipse the £290,000-a-week that countryman Paul Pogba earns and make Griezmann the highest paid player in the Premier League.
Lukaku is expected to miss the next two games after suffering concussion during United’s draw with Southampton on Saturday.
Ibrahimovic is not expected to return until February after being ruled out with a knee injury.
MORE : Jose Mourinho sends January transfer plea to Manchester United chief Ed Woodward
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