Manchester United made Atletico Madrid hitman Griezmann their No 1 transfer target back in the summer.

But, despite Jose Mourinho’s determination to bring the France international to Old Trafford, the striker ended up staying in Spain after Atletico were slapped with a transfer ban by FIFA.

United remain hellbent on signing Griezmann, however, with Jose Mourinho eager to pair him with Romelu Lukaku up top.

But Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo say the Red Devils have been rocked by the player, who supposedly has an agreement to sign for Barcelona at the end of the season.

It is said United chief Ed Woodward sounded out the player’s entourage about a move to Old Trafford.

However, they were told the France hitman has already verbally agreed to sign for Barcelona.

Mundo Deportivo say Woodward was left reeling by the information but, along with Real Madrid and PSG, remains determined to bring in the forward.

Barcelona, meanwhile, think they will land their man.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been working on the deal under the radar and has supposedly obtained the approvals of both Griezmann and Atletico Madrid.

Speaking last month in his biography, Griezmann admitted a move to United was possible.

"I have not made a decision,” he stated in his biography entitled 'Behind a smile, the life of the Little Prince told by himself'. “It all depends on several factors.

"As much as I repeat that I am delighted at Atletico, I have a great coach and great teammates, they regularly ask me about my future.

"I don't exclude anything, I have nothing against England, apart from the weather and Manchester United is a possibility.

"In June 2017 I prolonged my contract. I am tied to the club until 2022.

“Although I missing titles, here I have everything to be happy. This does not mean they do not go away one day.

"As much as I repeat that I am delighted at Atlético, I have a great coach and great teammates, they regularly ask me about my future.

“But I do not exclude anything.”