Manchester United are believed to very close to wrapping up a deal for Benfica defender Victor Lindelof, a move that will be pushed over the line when the transfer window formally opens next month. But it is reportedly just one piece of greater spending planned for 2017.
While Lindelof is likely to be the only January arrival at Old Trafford, the Daily Telegraph has claimed that United are looking to part with around £180m on a total of four expensive new faces over the course of the next two windows between now and the end of the summer.
Almost half that spend would be on a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann. The French international is a friend of Paul Pogba's and is known to be at the top of Jose Mourinho's wishlist as the boss looks to put his own stamp on the United squad he inherited in July.
At £84m, the full value of his release clause, Griezmann wouldn't come cheap, but a deal may be possible should manager Diego Simeone indicate that he plans to walk away from the club at the end of his contract in 2018.
With Lindelof rumoured to be costing around £38m plus a further £4m in potential add-ons, United may put even more money in Benfica's pockets come summer with an approach for promising right-backNelson Semedo.
The 23-year-old has been part of the Lisbon club's first-team since 2015, although he missed a large chunk of last season with a knee injury, and is rated at £25m. He is also said to be of interest to Bayern Munich and the German champions could provide competition.
On top of Lindelof, Griezmann and Semedo, there is apparent Old Trafford interest in Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, a player who is driving his club's Ligue 1 title charge.
The French Under-21 star has established himself as a regular with the principality club this season and has already played more games than he has in two previous campaigns with the first-team. Although cheaper than Lindelof, his £35m valuation would be another major outlay.
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