Manchester United have revived their interest in Toni Kroos, and will seek to test Real Madrid’s willingness to keep the German star in the summer.

United felt they had a deal for the World Cup winner back in 2013-14, with former Old Trafford boss David Moyes recently revealing he had agreed terms with the German, only for Kroos to join Real Madrid.

They are now willing to try and sign the 27-year-old again in the summer, although those close to the Bernabeu hierarchy say they would not sanction a sale.

The uncertain future of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann could yet influence proceedings. Jose Mourinho has insisted on a typically forensic plan to improve the United team in the summer, targeting key positions, but it is now part of United’s general policy for some signings to be “stars” due to their commercial value.

As recently as late January, Griezmann had been seen as almost certain to meet that status in the summer, with United having agreed personal terms with the French star’s representatives.

Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Show all 11 1 /11 Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Sergio Romero - 6 out of 10 Endured an early scare following Eric Bailly's botched clearance but settled into the game and became more assured as time wore on. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Antonio Valencia - 6 Nearly scored to end a three-year drought - but it wasn't to be. Got well forward, though some of his deliveries could have been better. Respectable evening in all. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Eric Bailly - 6 Made one important block early on but his decision-making was found wanting on occasion. Improved as the game went on. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Chris Smalling - 6 Didn't look too assured at times, allowing a number of Saint-Etienne runs in behind. Strong in the air though. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Daley Blind - 5 Poor tracking nearly handed the visitors an equaliser in the second half. Somewhat shaky. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Marouane Fellaini - 4 Not the best of games for the Belgian. Struggled to have much say and was subsequently substituted at half-time. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Ander Herrera - 6 Kept United ticking over in the centre of the park. Recycled well and created chances for the home side. Solid evening for the midfielder. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Paul Pogba - 7 Strong both on and off the ball. Showed his worth with real moments of pure class and equally impressive in his defensive duties. Should have converted his headed effort though. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Juan Mata - 7 Rounded and comfortable evening for the Spaniard. Offered a reliable source of service to his team-mates and even managed to make a number of runs in behind the opponents' defence. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 7 His hat-trick secured victory for the home side. Lady Luck helped him in his first and it was a case of right time, right place for the second. Took his penalty with ease and provided a general source of threat throughout. Manchester United vs Saint-Etienne player ratings Anthony Martial - 7 Looked busy all night long. A real menace down the flanks and threatened in and around the Saint-Etienne box. Positive, energetic performance.

Doubt has grown since then, however, as the Euro 2016 top scorer wants to see whether United finish in the Champions League places this season and is also said, by sources close to the player, to wish to see the extent of Real Madrid’s interest.

Griezmann will also face pressure to stay at Atletico Madrid for one more season, as they move to a new stadium. He has not yet given his final “OK” to any United deal and Old Trafford sources now say with increasing regularity it is “not done”.



United will pursue interest in Kroos regardless of what happens, but Griezmann looking to Real could actually help their case, as any purchase from Atletico may cause a reshuffle in the European champions’ squad. The German midfielder would also be seen as a “marquee star” close to Griezmann’s status if the attacker was not signed.