Manchester United to bid £170m on new strike duo

Jose Mourinho is set to be given a £170m war chest to strengthen his strike force following the long-term injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, linked with a double swoop for Antoine Griezmann and Andrea Belotti according to The Independent.

Griezmann has long been touted as the club’s top target this summer, though any deal for the Frenchman is thought to rely on Manchester United qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The Red Devils are moving in on an a top four finish with a crucial derby with City on Thursday, but would also return to Europe’s flagship tournament should they win the Europa League.

Links to Belotti have come about more recently, and it is now reported that United aren’t deterred by Torino’s insistence that the striker’s lofty £84m release clause is met. It is suggested they will try to broker a less lucrative deal for the Italian outfit, but that they are very much interested in the striker’s services regardless.

The 23-year old has enjoyed a sensational season in Serie A after all, sharing the lead in the race for the Capocannoniere, with 25 goals in 30 appearances. As a result he is understandably regarded as one of the finest forwards on the continent at present, and a deal for either he or Griezmann would significantly increase Mourinho’s chances of a title charge next season.