Manchester United have an agreement in principle with Antoine Griezmann, the Atletico Madrid striker, to join the club in the summer, according to reports in France.

Although United have yet to strike a deal with Atletico for Griezmann, it is thought the player has indicated his willingness to move to Old Trafford and the framework of a contract worth around £15 million a year has been discussed.

Enrique Cerezo, the Atletico president, vowed to fight tooth and nail to keep Griezmann after admitting last month that United were one of numerous clubs chasing the France forward.

But Griezmann’s contract contains a €100 million (£85 million) release clause which, if triggered, will leave Atletico powerless to keep their most prized asset. Griezmann, who is likely to be given the No. 7 shirt if he completes a move to United, has a close friendship with United midfielder Paul Pogba and that is proving an influential factor in the club’s efforts to entice the 25-year-old, according to Yahoo Sport in France. Griezmann scored for Atletico against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.

Diego Simeone, the Atletico coach, has already opened the door for Griezmann to leave and Jose Mourinho, desperate to add more cutting edge upfront, has identified the Frenchman as his leading summer transfer target, with United one of the few clubs able and prepared to fund such a deal.