Manchester United Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Talks Opened, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly "made contact" with the representatives of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann ahead of a potential deal next summer.

So reports Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t the Daily Star's Marc Williams), with Griezmann believed to be "willing to move on" and "would favour a switch to the Premier League."

The France international has established himself as a key player for Los Rojiblancos in a short space of time, with WhoScored.com noting his impressive ruthless streak in front of goal last season:

Griezmann has been in similar form in this campaign and has six goals and four assists to his name in all competitions.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

United have few forward options beyond Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, and the former has failed to impress in a central role this season. The Englishman nevertheless continues to be played as a No. 9, though, forcing the much more effective Martial out to the left.

As football writer Liam Canning noted, a versatile forward such as Griezmann would be a big help to the Red Devils:

The Frenchman can play as a centre-forward, behind the main striker or on either flank, so his arrival would ease the reliance on Rooney and allow Martial to be returned to a central role.

Sports journalist Jonas Giaever was among those to praise Griezmann's exceptional form last season, while fellow journalist Rafael Hernandez believes he is worth the considerable amount of money that would be required to land his signature:

According to Transfermarkt, the Frenchman is contracted to Atleti until 2020, so prising him from his club as early as next summer won't be easy.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone recently admitted the 24-year-old's future is in his own hands, though, per FourFourTwo: "He is in a very good moment He has grown a huge amount and is a very important player for the team. His future will depend just on him."

If Griezmann is as willing to move on as the report indicates, that would be a huge help to United.

The incisive forward is rapidly growing in stature, and his pace, versatility and clinical finishing will make him a boon to any side. United in particular are in need of his skills, and should they acquire him, they'll have taken another huge step toward becoming perennial title challengers once again.