Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Antoine Griezmann as the Red Devils attempt to land the France international ahead of Barcelona in this summer's transfer window.
Griezmann recently revealed that he would be leaving Atletico Madrid this summer.
Barca are considered to be the favourites for the 28-year-old, who has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Diego Simeone's side in all competitions.
However, according to The Independent, Barca are now stalling on a move for Griezmann, which has led to United 're-establishing communication' as the 20-time English champions eye a big-money swoop.
The report has added that neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City want the 2018 World Cup winner, while Paris Saint-Germain are unlikely to make a move, leaving United as Barca's only serious challengers.
Griezmann's current Atletico contract includes a release clause of £173m although that figure will drop to £104m at the start of July.
United have also reportedly made an offer of more than £40m for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side look to freshen their attack this summer.