Manchester United's interest in Antoine Griezmann, voted the third best player in the world last year in both Ballon d'Or and FIFA circles, is fast becoming football's newest worst kept secret. There are fresh stories almost daily and every social media 'like' will continue to be a 'massive hint' until a time when the Frenchman is actually wearing a United shirt.
Similarly, it has long been rumoured that Paul Pogba's presence at Old Trafford will be key to pulling off a deal that could get close toworld record territory. The pair are close friends and Griezmann has even publicly spoken of his desire to play with Pogba at club level someday.
But it seems that the level of Pogba's role could be even greater than first thought, giving his pal the hard sell rather than a more gentle persuasion approach.
Journalist Duncan Castles, writing for the Daily Record, has revealed that United have actively involved Pogba in trying to convince Griezmann that a move to Old Trafford is the next logical step in his career.
The suggestion is that Pogba is "talking to the boy almost every day to push him to go".
Castles also writes that United had looked at the possibility of landing Griezmann last summer, but the forward's focus on Euro 2016 meant the club didn't receive the right encouragement that he was interested in a move at the time. It seems he isnow, though.
Recent reports on the subject have already claimed that an agreement with the player is effectively in place. There has even been talk that a squad number has been identified - the number seven shirt he currently wears for Atletico and France is now vacant at United, while he also idolised a former United number seven in David Beckham when growing up.
Yet with a contract in Madrid until 2021, it may take an offer triggering a €100m release clause, or certainly getting close to it, to prise Griezmann out of Atletico's firm grasp.
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