After going all-out in the transfer market last summer, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is prepared to do it all over again at the end of the current campaign, with Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann top of his wish-list.

The France international, a close friend of United star Paul Pogba, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over recent months and reports suggest the Red Devils are ready to fund a lucrative move this summer.

However, Griezmann has regularly denied reports that he will leave the Vicente Calderon this summer and has dropped hints that suggest he’ll stay on with Diego Simeone’s side- which puts United in a difficult position.

With their pursuit of Griezmann being very public, failing to secure the French striker’s signature would be a massive blow. However, United need to start preparing for the worst and have to set themselves up for the fact that Griezmann may not be amongst their squad next season.

Jose Mourinho needs to start pursuing other targets and there’s hardly a lack of top-class strikers on the continent- with the likes of Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi, Juventus’ Paulo Dybala, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng being amongst those linked with high-profile transfers this summer.

All of those strikers mentioned would provide a huge boost to Manchester United and many of them may cost significantly less than Griezmann, which would leave additional funds for United to strengthen the areas where they look weakest.

It’s quite bizarre to see Manchester United consistently linked with moves for top-class attackers, considering the strength in depth they already boast in that area, and bolstering their defensive ranks should certainly be a priority.

However, defensive signings don’t provide the same statement of intent that world-class strikers do but United shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket and need to start considering moves for alternatives for Griezmann.

With the financial strength Manchester United have in the market, persuading a big name to move to Old Trafford should not be too difficult- although any target now will be well aware that they’re United’s second-choice. Romelu Lukaku has turned down a new contract with current club Everton and could be a solid option for Mourinho. Whether the Belgian would want to join United remains to be seen as he was sold by the Portuguese manager when he was at Chelsea. Reports suggest the London club are very much looking to bring the striker back to Stamford Bridge.

Moving for another striker may actually aid their pursuit of Griezmann too, as it would give the French striker a big decision to make as he’d risk missing out on a move to Old Trafford- as the striker the Red Devils will sign this summer should dominate their starting line-up for years to come.

Another factor to consider is that Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked with the French striker and Griezmann could be attracted by the opportunity to play for countryman Arsene Wenger.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s own future being caught in speculation, Manchester United cannot afford to mess around on the transfer market and need to ensure they have numerous options in their sights this summer.