According to reports from Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are 'closing in' on Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.

What's the word?

On the surface, this is nothing more than yet another update in United's somewhat arduous pursuit of the Atletico attacker, who is enjoying another solid campaign at Vincente Calderon. Indeed, the Red Devils have been linked with the France international so much throughout the season that it's verging on tedious. We all know he has a €100million release clause and that should be well within Jose Mourinho's financial reach this summer.

But MEN's report is strong in tone. It claims sources close to the Frenchman believe the deal is near completion and essentially a 'formality'. It further adds that Mourinho views Griezmann as a match-winner who can ease the burden on this season's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and believes the former Real Sociedad star can 'transform' his side.

Can Griezmann transform United?

Manchester United may have smashed the world record transfer fee last summer but they're still a long way from being the kind of side that has defined Mourinho's managerial career, and from returning to the consistent success of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. In a nutshell, they need more star quality and that's what Griezmann provides in abundance.

The 39-cap star can operate anywhere across the front line or behind a central striker and now boasts 79 goals in 147 appearances for Atletico - despite initially arriving from Real Sociedad as a hardworking winger - including 14 goals (and seven assists) in La Liga this season. An industrious yet opportunist forward, in typical Atletico style, who has shown his ability to finish inside or outside the box and create opportunities for others, Griezmann really is the total package and would find a place in most sides in world football. Likewise, aged 26, he's got a good few years left ahead of him at top level.

How would United's attack look next season?

A curious question with multiple answers, in no small part due to the fact Ibrahimovic's contract will expire this summer and United have used four different formations already this season. But MEN claim Mourinho wants Griezmann to play alongside Zlatan next term, which suggests he'll either play tucked in just behind in a 4-2-3-1 or on the left of a 4-3-3 - with the speedy Henrikh Mkhitaryan likely starting on the opposing flank more often than not. What that means for likes of Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford remains to be seen - but Mourinho could be forced to sacrifice at least one this summer to make room for Griezmann.