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Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann lined up by Manchester United in incredible £136m spending spree

Jose Mourinho wants to launch a raid on the Spanish capital to land Real and Atletico Madrid's attacking talents

MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a stunning £136million double raid for Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann.

Jose Mourinho's men are not put off making a move for Real Madrid superstar Bale, despite his poor injury record.

 Manchester United are not concerned about Gareth Bale's recent injury struggles
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Manchester United are not concerned about Gareth Bale's recent injury strugglesCredit: Getty

And the Red Devils have also reopened talks with Real's cross-city rivals Atletico to sign long-term target Griezmann.

Bale, currently crocked with a thigh injury, has actually missed 40 per cent of Real Madrid's games through various injuries since joining them in September 2013.

That will not affect United's thinking, however, if they get any indication from Madrid that Bale, 28, is ready to return to the Premier League.

United have long coveted the Welsh wideman and even tried to hijack his £86m move to the Bernabeu.

 Wales ace Bale is recovering from a series of setbacks
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Wales ace Bale is recovering from a series of setbacksCredit: Sportsfile
 Antoine Griezmann is a long-term target for Manchester United
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Antoine Griezmann is a long-term target for Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA

That failed and Bale has gone on to be a success in Spain, winning three Champions Leagues.

But while he has loved his time abroad and is under contract until 2022, he is not popular with the Real fans.


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Spurs have first refusal on the player, as part of the initial transfer, and could also be interested if Real were prepared to sell for around £50m.

Mourinho, who has already spent £300m in 18 months at Old Trafford, also wants Atletico Madrid marksman Griezmann, 26.

SunSport can reveal that representatives of both clubs met during the international break to discuss terms.

 Atletico Madrid ace Griezmann turned down United last summer
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Atletico Madrid ace Griezmann turned down United last summerCredit: Getty Images
 Jose Mourinho is set for another summer splurge
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Jose Mourinho is set for another summer splurgeCredit: PA:Press Association

United failed to complete a deal for the Frenchman last summer after the player had a last-minute change of heart.

Griezmann then signed a new deal at Atletico until 2021 but has since told team-mates he has regrets about snubbing a move to Old Trafford.

His release clause remains at the £86m United were prepared to pay but it is understood a lower fee was discussed at the get together.

Mourinho was angered by Griezmann rejecting the chance to move but has given his blessing to a second attempt at recruiting him.

The Portuguese boss still sees the forward as a crucial piece of the jigsaw he is putting together.

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