Transfer gossip column: Chelsea leads the way to sign Griezmann

This is not the place for legitimate reports and completed deals. Here, we compile the ludicrous transfer rumours that arise during this month of madness in the football world. Each day until the summer transfer window shuts, theScore will provide a rundown of the most outlandish babble from the backpages, briefing you on the transfer gossip throughout Europe.

Here's what the rumour mill is churning out today:

Mourinho to bring Willian to United

If Jose Mourinho is appointed as Manchester United manager, as reported by multiple outlets, the Portuguese gaffer will look to bring Chelsea midfielder Willian along with him to Old Trafford, according to The Sun.

The Brazilian, however, comes with a hefty price tag, with Chelsea reportedly demanding a transfer fee in the region of £60 million to consider selling the talented midfielder.

The report surfaced after Willian praised Mourinho, claiming to have played his best football under his guidance.

Liverpool joins race to sign West Ham's Reece Oxford

Liverpool has put its name into the hat of teams interested in luring West Ham starlet Reece Oxford, the Mirror reports.

The Reds will battle with both Manchester teams for the right to sign the versatile 17-year-old, who's expected to fetch West Ham a transfer fee in the region of £10 million.

Morata to Arsenal?

Arsenal hopes Alvaro Morata will join Granit Xhaka as the newest resident in north London. However, the Gunners will have to dish out close to £40 million to convince Real Madrid to sell the Spanish forward, sources tell The Sun.

The report adds that Real is eager to start a bidding war in hopes of Chelsea and Manchester City joining the race to sign the 23-year-old, who's expected to leave Juventus once Real activates the buy-back clause in its deal with the Italian champions.

Chelsea closes in on Griezmann's signature

Chelsea is the front-runner to snatch French forward Antoine Griezmann away from Atletico Madrid.

The Premier League side's chances of signing him were given a boost when the 25-year-old's sports adviser contradicted Griezmann's statement claiming he would definitely return to Atletico Madrid next season.

"Contrary to certain claims announcing that Antoine will be at Atletico next season without fail, nothing has been decided or endorsed," Eric Olhats said, as quoted in the Mirror.

"We are currently listening to different clubs who also offer real interest and attraction."