Manchester United reportedly leading the race ahead of Liverpool to sign Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

The Uruguay international, who joined Atletico in 2013, has been a regular at the Vicente Calderon Stadium over the last three seasons.

However, Griezmann has been forced to play second fiddle at the current campaign, and it is understood that the centre-back is considering his long-term future in the Spanish club.

United y Liverpool cortejan a un Giménez que quiere jugar más https://t.co/RJ4I8btLX8 pic.twitter.com/eL4VBoMu2G

— AS (@diarioas) March 23, 2017

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old, but according to Spanish publication AS, Manchester United are ready to take advantage of the situation to lure him to the Old Trafford ahead of next season as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen defensive squad this summer.

Gimenez has a release clause in the region of £39m.