Antoine Griezmann Says Transfer Talk 'Quite Tiring' Amid Manchester United Link

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has said he is finding the ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United "quite tiring."  

He stressed he most likely sees himself continuing at Atleti past the summer while rumours continue to swirl of a United pursuit, as well as Chelsea interest, per AS (h/t Press Association Sport via ESPN FC): "It's always the same question, and I now don't know what to say. I find myself repeating myself and I certainly see myself here. I feel it's an answer that I've given so many times now but that very question is quite tiring."

The Frenchman did give United a little hope that he could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford as he named Red Devils legend David Beckham as an inspiration and the reason he wears the No. 7 shirt: "My idol was David Beckham, and he wore the No. 7 shirt at United." 

However, it seems United's chances of snapping him up are dimming, and they may be forced to look elsewhere for a new attacking star.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney reported early last month that United had identified Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski and Monaco's Kylian Mbappe as alternative targets should Griezmann be unavailable. 

Like the 26-year-old France international, both have enjoyed prolific 2016-17 seasons, with the trio netting 50 league goals between them this season.

Player (League)	Apps	Mins	Goals	Assists
Griezmann (La Liga)	29	2475	14	7
Mbappe (Ligue 1)	11(11)	980	12	5
Lewandowski (Bundesliga)	25(2)	2255	24	4

However, none will come cheap. James Ducker in the Telegraph recently suggested United would trigger Griezmann's £85 million release clause to sign him in the summer, and they would need to offer a similar fee to bag Mbappe or Lewandowski. 

What is in no doubt is that United need a new goalscorer. They have been heavily reliant on 35-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score this season, a situation that cannot continue into next term if United want to fight for the Premier League title. 

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