Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe Rumours

Manchester United will reportedly target Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe in the summer, with the pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann said to have “lessened in priority.”

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Red Devils are keen to strengthen their attacking options at the end of the season by signing an elite name. Griezmann, it’s noted, has been the club’s top target, but the complex nature of the potential deal is said to have pushed United into exploring other avenues.

“Griezmann had been the Old Trafford club’s number-one target as the marquee name to join in 2017 but The Independent has learned that his transfer has now been ‘lessened in priority’ because of how complicated any prospective deal would be,” added Delaney.

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Delaney also noted that Atletico are unwilling to sell the France international, with the club set to move into a new stadium in 2017-18.

As a result, Lewandowski is said to have emerged as an alternative. Here’s why he’s a name that would get United supporters excited:

Although the Polish international forward only recently agreed to a contract extension at the Allianz Arena, it's added that “the Premier League club are considering testing how durable” Bayern’s willingness to keep him around is.

Lewandowski would be some purchase. The 28-year-old has been one of the best forwards in world football for the last few seasons, excelling at the point of the attack for Bayern. These numbers from Squawka Football show how consistent he’s been in German football’s top flight down the years:

While Lewandowski is an established forward, Mbappe is a player who possesses the undoubted potential to become world-class.

Still only 18, the youngster has been part of an exhilarating Monaco attack this season, shining both as a starter and when used as an impact substitute. With his blistering pace, versatility and composure in front of goal, it’s no surprise that so many are tipping the Monaco man to go a long way in the game.

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Already he’s netted 15 goals in all competitions this season. As Tom Williams of AFP noted here, there’s a buzz surrounding the forward in France at the moment:

Griezmann, according to Delaney, does remain on United’s radar, adding that manager Jose Mourinho “obviously still wants him and will persist in trying to get a move done.”

The Frenchman differs in style to the aforementioned duo. Griezmann is at his best when utilised as a split striker, able to run into the box from deep and create for his team as well as score goals. He’s become crucial to the way Diego Simeone’s side play, and their reluctance to cash in on him is understandable.

Per Bleacher Report UK, after a small slump in form earlier in the season, things are going well for the forward again:

Mourinho will be aware that his current star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic doesn’t have too many years at the highest level left in him and will need to start formulating a plan of attack that doesn’t include the mercurial Swede.

As is said to be the case with Griezmann and Atletico, it's likely Bayern would dig their heels in if anyone were to come knocking for Lewandowski, such is his value to the side. Mbappe, as such, may be the most realistic target of the three, although if Monaco were ready to cash in, there’d be a lot of competition for his signature.