Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Antoine Griezmann, Radamel Falcao Rumours

Manchester United "have been tracking" Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, according to Daniel Gutierrez of Todomercadoweb (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro).

The impressive Frenchman has struck 20 La Liga goals this year, only sitting behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the race for this season's European Golden Shoe award. Sanderson believes Griezmann would set United back "at least £32.5 million" and that the club "look to be in pole position" for his signature.

It seems unlikely Atleti boss Diego Simeone would consider cashing in on the former Real Sociedad favourite. He only arrived at the start of the season and is rapidly outlining himself as a world-class goalscorer for the club, which threatens to linger in Real's shadow once more.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Atletico are often forced to sell their top players—Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa to name a few—but Griezmann is growing into his versatile role at the Vicente Calderon. It would continue Atletico's turnover of top players if he departed so soon.

United manager Louis van Gaal should be looking to add a pacey threat to his forward line, particularly if Angel Di Maria is going to continue struggling. United supporters may have taken it as a given that loanee Falcao would be sent back to Monaco, but the latest speculation suggests he could yet join the Old Trafford club permanently.

Monaco Vice-President Vadim Vasilyev confirms the Red Devils still have first dibs, but he said that the English club wants to assess Falcao's situation at the end of the season, per French publication Nice-Matin (translated by BBC Sport): 

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We are not in any further negotiations for the moment, even if big clubs are interested. I saw Manchester United leaders last Sunday and they have not yet decided if they will exercise the option. It's not his best season but they retain the opportunity to talk at the end of the season.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Neil Ashton of the MailOnline believes Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, is the man who told the French club that a final verdict is yet to be taken on the player.

Falcao's poor season has seen him net just four goals in 22 Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com.

Positively, these strikes have won United five points, a valuable total considering the third-place club is eight points ahead of UEFA Champions League chasers Liverpool. The Colombian's overall performance has been consistently poor, however, noted by B/R UK's Sam Tighe:

There's always the fear that United won't take Falcao on, and he'll find his best form.

Ashton suggests Monaco are "willing to negotiate" on his £43.5 million fee now that his output no longer matches the previously agreed buyout option. Falcao's fitness and form remain enigmatic and an undoubted risk, particularly as he's unlikely to possess any resell value if something goes wrong.

A confident Falcao would have the potential to make United genuine title contenders, particularly if further talent is added. Van Gaal and Woodward certainly have a difficult conundrum to solve, especially as Falcao's potential fee could be put to good use elsewhere.