Manchester United are turning their attention to ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud after pulling out of the Joao Felix race due to Atletico Madrid’s hefty £18.3m loan fee

Manchester United are reportedly looking to bring Olivier Giroud back to England after refusing to meet Atletico Madrid’s demands for Joao Felix.

It has been claimed that Atetico are looking too much for the Portuguese striker, who has fallen out of favor under boss Diego Simeone.

Atletico are only willing to loan the 23-year-old out for the rest of the season but even that will come with a huge fee.

The LaLiga side want an £18.3million package to loan the former Benfica star for six months – a fee that has put off United and Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The staggering package is made up of a £13m fee with a £5.3m salary, which United understandably turned down.

A loan move would suit the Red Devils who are in the process of strengthening their attacking options following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the club in November.

But United won’t agree to the fee offered by Atletico, meaning any move to Old Trafford can only go ahead if the Spanish side lower their asking price.

According to the Times, AC Milan striker Groud has now become a shock target for boss Erik ten Hag.

But the former Arsenal and Chelsea marksman is waiting for a new deal from the Rossoneri.

Giroud has been in great form this season, the 36-year-old scoring nine goals in 19 games for Milan, while finding the back of the net four times at the World Cup for France.

Ten Hag led the Red Devils to fourth in the Premier League and is firmly in the game to achieve his goals this season.

United are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and face Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs next month.

But Anthony Martial’s injury problems have continued with the 27-year-old starting just four games this season, leaving only Marcus Rashford in the lead.

The England international has been in fine form, however, scoring 11 goals including six in the Premier League.

Asked if United should add another striker to their ranks this month, Ten Hag said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.

“But with many games to come, I think there is a need.

“But you need someone who can make an impact, otherwise you’re just burning money and not making the team stronger and that’s not helping you.”