Manchester United is reportedly targeting Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann as a potential long-term replacement for team captain Wayne Rooney.
Rooney, who will turn 31 later this month, is rumored to be deemed by Jose Mourinho as already declining in his effectiveness on the field as the United manager has opted to play him off the bench in the last three games of the Manchester outfit.
The Mirror reported that Mourinho is still "supportive of Rooney" but the Portuguese mentor does not "see a long-term future at Old Trafford for his captain".
The report continued that Rooney may be given an opportunity to consider lucrative offers from either the Major League Soccer or Chinese Super League where he can end his illustrious career "once Griezmann is landed".
Rooney is in his 13th season with United after he was signed from Everton in the summer of 2004 for a transfer fee of £25.6 million, which made him the most expensive teenager at that time.
Griezmann, who is still entering his prime at 25, is said to be "the man to take over from the under pressure United skipper" as he is considered as one of the best football playmakers in the world today.
The France international had long been linked to the Red Devils even before Jose Mourinho arrived in the summer. Recent rumors are out that United is ready to splash $97.5 million when the winter transfer window opens in January just to acquire Griezmann's services.
Griezmann led Los Colchoneros last season with 32 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions while he has six goals in six La Liga games so far this season.
He was acquired by Atleti from fellow Spanish club Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014 for a transfer fee of $29 million.
Meanwhile, Caught Offside indicated that Griezmann turned down a lucrative offer from French champions Paris Saint-Germain during the recent summer transfer window as he is "keen on a move to the Premier League".
This development said to have boosted the Red Devils' chances of snagging the 5-foot-9, Mâcon, France native from Spain.
However, United is not the only Premier League club interested in Griezmann as rival Chelsea is also said to be planning to enter the race in January. Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly prepared to match the Frenchman's $97.5 million release clause as well.
