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Manchester City are ready to launch a £70million raid for Antoine Griezmann – and spark a major transfer battle with rivals Man United.

The Atletico Madrid star, who is also on Chelsea’s radar, could be on his way out of the Vicente Calderon Stadium next summer.

Sources claim City - who have asked to be kept up to speed with France international Griezmann ’s situation – are willing to break the bank for the forward.

Griezmann is already wanted by Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho, and is seen as a potential long-term replacement for skipper Wayne Rooney.

(Image: Getty)

But new City manager Pep Guardiola wants to add him to a strike-force which already contains Sergio Aguero, and doing so would send a major signal to the Blues' domestic and European rivals.

Signed from fellow Spanish side Real Sociedad in summer 2014, Griezmann has scored La Liga 50 goals for Atletico, and helped them reach last season's Champions League final.

(Image: Getty)

He was also top scorer at last summer's European Championship with six goals for the hosts and beaten finalists.

Griezmann has split from his agent, and he and his family are now in charge of his footballing affairs.

Watch — Griezmann stars with Usain Bolt in new deodorant advert:

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Although he has a contract which runs until 2021, Atletico are aware that this is likely to be his last season with the club.

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With manager Diego Simeone having given Atletico notice that he will leave next summer, the chances of them holding onto Griezmann have substantially decreased.