Manchester United are reportedly back in the running to hijack Barcelona’s pursuit of French international Antoine Griezmann.

According to a report by The Independent, Manchester United have second wind in their pursuit of signing Antoine Griezmann in the summer transfer window. The French international’s move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona is in doubt, which has prompted the Premier League heavyweights to make contact with him once again.

Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed a stellar rise in stature since joining Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad. In fact, the player is now held in such high regard that he is considered to be among the very best players in the world, having been a pivotal player for both club and country over the last half-a-decade or so.

At club level, the French international is now set for a new challenge, having announced his decision to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. Griezmann was subsequently thought to be closing in on a move to Barcelona. But, Manchester United have now re-entered the race to sign him.

At Barcelona, the struggles of Philippe Coutinho coupled with the injury problems that have beset Ousmane Dembele have meant that Lionel Messi tends to get under intense pressure to shoulder the majority of the attacking workload. To add to his responsibilities, Luis Suarez has started blowing hot and cold.

Bolstering attack is thus, rightly a priority for Barcelona, who can create a formidable front unit by adding Griezmann to their ranks.

Manchester United were once believed to be on the cusp of signing Griezmann a couple of years ago before a transfer ban on Atletico Madrid forced the player to stay put. But, ahead of the 2019-20 season, signing a player like Griezmann might be just what the doctor ordered, at least as far as the attacking department is concerned.

The battle for Antoine Griezmann is intensifying. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
The battle for Antoine Griezmann is intensifying. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferring a 4-4-2 formation, Griezmann will be a perfect fit in the strike partnership, seeing as he reprises the role for Atletico Madrid as well. And, as per the report, Manchester United have established contact with the player’s entourage, with doubts surfacing over what seemed to be an impending Barcelona move.

The report claims that Barcelona are having second thoughts about the French international’s £108 million release clause, which has given Manchester United a whiff. According to The Independent, United also hope to get a boost in their bid to retain the services of Paul Pogba, if they were to sign his good friend.

Only time will tell if the suggestions from The Independent are indeed true.

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