Rumour: Manchester United step up interest in Antoine Griezmann

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann, with club officials believing that the Frenchman is the perfect option to replace Wayne Rooney.

Griezmann was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window but the 25-year-old, who excelled for France at Euro 2016, ended up staying at Atletico after signing a new contract with the club.

As reported by the Mirror, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is eager to press ahead with a move for Griezmann, who has scored six goals in seven games in La Liga this season.

Rooney has struggled for form in the early weeks of the campaign to the extent that he has been dropped by both United and England, and the 30-year-old would surely move on to pastures new if Griezmann was to arrive at the club.

United face Liverpool away tomorrow night, with Jose Mourinho's side seeking to showcase their title credentials after making a mixed start to the Premier League season.