Manchester United Transfer News, Rumors: French, Croatian Players Linked To Club This Summer

Manchester United made a huge splash over the summer with the additions of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But in the short tenure of Jose Mourinho, there hasn't been much of a return to glory for the Red Devils, as the famed England club remains in a tight battle for a coveted berth in next year's Champions League and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League.

Once again, United may feel there is no other alternative than to address the club's problems with more high-priced additions. Several transfer rumors have surfaced in recent weeks, with British media suggesting that United will pay big sums for burgeoning and established talents.

The Daily Telegraph recently reported that United will trigger the £85 million release clause in striker Antoine Griezmann's contract with Atletico Madrid at season's end. The 26-year-old French star has been with Atletico since 2014 and remains one of the Europe's most efficient goalscorers. Griezmann could be viewed as a younger upgrade over Ibrahimovic should the veteran striker consider retirement.

But Griezmann may not represent the most expensive move for United. Kylian Mbappe of Monaco has a £130 million price tag and United are considered the frontrunner to sign the 18-year-old French striker, according to the Express. But United has been down this road before. In 2015, the club paid a hefty sum for Anthony Martial, another young French star, and the results have been mixed. In his last 11 matches, Martial has just one goal and has not owned a steady place in the starting IX.

Mourinho can also turn to a pair of Croatian midfielders playing for Inter Milan, the club Mourinho guided to a Champions League title.

According to the Sun, Mourinho was recently in Croatia to perhaps scout winger Ivan Perisic. The 28-year-old, who has been valued at about £35 million, has bounced around France, Belgium, Germany and Italy, so it would be interesting if he considered a shot at the Premier League, arguably the most demanding league in the world.

Italian outlet Gazetta reported that Mourinho hopes to sign box-to-box midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and could pay over £40 million. The 24-year-old arrived in Serie A in 2015 and has been a consistent starter for Inter. Brozovic has also been a key contributor for Croatia, as well, with 24 caps since debuting in 2014.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail reports that Real Madrid will have to pay £66 million for star goalkeeper David de Gea. The 26-year-old Spaniard does not have a release clause in his contract.