Chelsea prepared to rival Manchester United for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann

Chelsea will reportedly rival any offer Manchester United make for French forward Antoine Griezmann. The 25-year-old star is one of the world's most in-demand players and two of the Premier League's biggest clubs are said to be interested in signing him.

The Old Trafford club are monitoring his situation at Atletico Madrid, but Chelsea are also interested in the player, according to the Daily Telegraph. Chelsea have been watching Griezmann's progress since he joined Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014 - and would be willing to enter a bidding race for his services.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to seek out a new challenge at the end of the season - and that would cast doubt over Griezmann's future in the Spanish capital. The diminutive forward had a €100m (£84.3m, $112.7m) release clause inserted into his new contract with Atletico, which he signed in June.

Although that figure would come close to the world-record fee United spent on Paul Pogba earlier this summer, it is unlikely to dissuade either club from trying to sign Griezmann should they wish to.

Chelsea, however, have the added advantage of having Diego Costa in their ranks, as the Spanish striker has been persistently linked with a return to Atletico. The Blues fought to keep Costa at the club over the summer, but may be willing to part with him if the opportunity to sign Griezmann arises.

Earlier this year, Eric Olhats, Griezmann's agent, confirmed his client was the subject of interest from Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain before he signed a new deal with Atletico.

"Teams from abroad did however call on him during the close season. In England, there were several direct expressions of interest, but a lot of clubs are under reconstruction," he said of Griezmann, who has linked been heavily linked with United in recent months.

"There were also meetings with Paris Saint-Germain. The project was very attractive, but he's just become a father, he feels good in Spain and Atletico is, I repeat, a great club that gives him everything he expects and which is managed by a great coach."