Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Antoine Griezmann, Romelu Lukaku Rumours

Sources close to Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann believe a deal taking him to Manchester United is "on the verge of completion" and now merely a "formality."

That's according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, who said United are at the head of the queue to land the striker and Atletico "accept they are powerless" to prevent him from moving on if the Red Devils activate his €100 million (£86 million) release clause.

Indeed, Atleti boss Diego Simeone suggested as much, per AS (h/t Adriana Garcia of ESPN): "Yes, because there is a release clause and there are no guarantees. From here on in, I don't know what can happen."

The manager added he would not stop Griezmann leaving if he wanted to, though the player himself told L'Equipe (h/t Sky Sports' Nick Lustig): "I have no intention of leaving Atletico Madrid, for Paris Saint-Germain, China, the USA, Russia, or elsewhere."

United will be hoping to change his mind, and if they activate his release clause, they'll be free to try to do so.

As football writer Liam Canning noted, aside from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Red Devils have struggled going forward this season:

Even the Swede has been guilty of profligacy at times this season—according to the Premier League's official website, he has missed 17 "big chances," six more than any other player in the division.

Griezmann has established himself as one of the top forwards in European football, and he would make a tremendous capture for United as they seek to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Frenchman has scored 22 goals in all competitions this year and provided 11 assists to boot. He recently helped Atletico beat Sevilla 3-1, per Sky Sports La Liga:

Squawka Football shared the stats behind his outstanding performance:

While it's highly unlikely he'll be available for anything less than his release clause, he would be an excellent signing and a real statement of intent from United.

Meanwhile, Robson reported United are also keeping an eye on Romelu Lukaku's situation at Everton but "are yet to show firm interest."

The Belgian has had another sensational year with the Toffees, also racking up 22 goals. Everton celebrated them on Twitter:

He would also be an expensive signing, but the 23-year-old is a proven Premier League goalscorer who could add another dimension to United's attack with his pace and power.

Lukaku would make a fine alternative to Griezmann.