Atletico Madrid have reportedly told Manchester United that they want to keep hold of star striker Antoine Griezmann for one more season.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer as Jose Mourinho's side gear up to activate his €100m (£85m) release clause.
According to The Telegraph, the Spanish side have attempted to ward off United's interest until 2018 but despite their protestations, "there is a growing expectation" that the Frenchman will depart for the Premier League this summer.
The newspaper also claims that the club is seeking out Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette as a potential replacement for Griezmann, although the proposed fee of £60m could "prove prohibitive".
Griezmann became Atletico's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League this week, notching up his 13th strike in the competition during his side's 4-2 victory at Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
Neil Wilkes
