Report: Manchester United's interest in Griezmann dampened

The summer's most speculated transfer appears to be veering off course, with reports suggesting that Manchester United has cooled its interest in Atletico Madrid attacker Antonie Griezmann.

Heavily linked with a move for the France international amid quotes from Griezmann suggesting that there was a six-out-of-10 chance he'd make a summer switch to Old Trafford, United has now allegedly switched its focus to acquiring a traditional striker.

Related - Griezmann: 6-out-of-10 chance I join Manchester United this summer

With uncertainty over Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future at the club, the Guardian's Marcus Christenson and Sid Lowe report that the Red Devils are prioritising a move for a forward over a No. 10, dampening interest in the summer's most talked about potential transfer.

The report surfaced hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld its transfer ban on Atletico, meaning the club cannot register any new players until January 2018. That decision is likely to have a ripple effect as the capital city outfit moves into the brand-new Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Related: CAS stands by Atletico Madrid transfer ban

One of Atletico's biggest targets, Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, appeared destined to join the club amid talk of Griezmann's exit, and even Les Gones chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admitted that a verbal agreement was in place between the two parties. That deal now languishes in oblivion, and while Atletico is not barred from selling players, a sale for Griezmann would leave Diego Simeone with just Kevin Gameiro, Angel Correa, and an out-of-contract Fernando Torres in attack.

For United, the shift of attention from a No. 10 to a striker highlights a dearth of goal-scoring options. Even if Ibrahimovic signs a new deal at the club, the Swede's knee issue is likely to keep him out of contention until January. Pair that with a scant 54 league goals registered, and United is desperate for some help up top. The club has been previously linked with Everton's Romelu Lukaku, Torino's Andrea Belotti, Monaco whiz Kylian Mbappe, and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.