PSG Set to Beat Manchester United to La Liga Star – Report

Paris Saint Germain are reportedly ready to beat Manchester United to signing Antoine Griezmann by matching the Real Sociedad's star release clause.

The 22-year-old winger has earned a reputation as one of the most talented footballers in Spain, scoring 12 goals in just 16 La Liga games, more than Lionel Messi.

Manchester United are monitoring him but Spanish newspaper Daily AS report that PSG are leading the race as Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has been in Paris recently with some of his advisors.

Local media suggest that he has held discussions with the French side's representatives over Griezmann's future.

La Liga side are determined to keep his most valuable player during this transfer window but IBTimes UK understand that they will be open to sell him for a lucrative amount of money next summer, as they did when they sold Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid for around £30m.

According to AS, PSG are set to pay Griezmann's release clause that is believed to be between £30m-£36m. His contract at Real Sociedad expires in 2016 so both parties will be happy with a summer move that will allow Griezmann to take a step forward in his career.

PSG are leading the race to sign the Spanish sensation but United have also been heavy linked with him during the last month. Indeed, manager David Moyes sent his chief scout Robbie Cooke to Spain last weekend to watch him against Athletic Bilbao.

Furthermore, last month reports claim that Arsenal was considering launching a £20m bid to sign him in this January transfer window while Tottenham were also interested in the French forward last summer as a replacement for Gareth Bale.