Manchester United are set to spend heavily once again this summer but the first few weeks of their reported transfer business have certainly been disappointing- especially with rivals Manchester City making early waves in the market.

The Red Devils have been very public in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann and it’s been a rollercoaster ride for supporters tracking the develop- although things have suddenly ground to a halt in recent days.

After an array of indications that Griezmann would move to Old Trafford this summer, the French striker now seems set to stay in the Spanish capital after Atletico’s appeal to overturn a transfer ban was rejected- and Manchester United have cooled their interest.

Whilst United could still secure a deal if they were to match Griezmann’s £87m release-clause, it seems Jose Mourinho’s side are setting their sights elsewhere and Griezmann will join the likes of Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos and Neymar as being top-targets for the Red Devils that have failed to be secured.

In the developments of recent days, Manchester United are said to have set their sights on Everton ace Romelu Lukaku as an alternative option and the Red Devils now must ensure they get a deal over the line to save themselves further embarrassment.

Given the frustrations Mourinho’s side have had on the market previously when chasing top-targets, it is a surprise to see United’s transfer plans being highly publicised this summer and it’s probably best that the club keep things under wraps.

With reports of interest in Lukaku having been around for a while though, Manchester United need to make their move this summer to bolster their attacking line and fill a major void left in their side following the long-term injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Lukaku would certainly be the ideal replacement for the crocked Swedish forward and is ready for the next step in his career, as the Belgian striker has torn the Premier League apart during his time at Goodison Park but now needs to be playing at the highest level.

Manchester United will be able to offer Champions League football to Lukaku, which is crucial in a World Cup year, and on paper it seems like a match made in heaven- although the fact that Chelsea are also linked to the Belgian’s signature is a concern, as is the fact that Mourinho was the man who approved Lukaku’s exit from Stamford Bridge.

With Griezmann off the market, there isn’t too many superstar strikers around that Manchester United could sign and they’ve made it clear that’s their priority this summer- so a move for Lukaku needs to be finalised if the club are to step forward with their plans this summer.