Manchester United want Atletico Madrid transfer guru Andrea Berta for director of football role
Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak are some of the big names brought in under Berta's watch
MANCHESTER UNITED want Atletico Madrid's transfer guru Andrea Berta as their first director of football, according to reports.
The claim Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward views the Italian as one of the top candidates to assist Jose Mourinho.
Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak are some of the big names brought into the Vicente Calderon under Berta.
Man Utd are said to have already registered their interest in Berta after it was revealed last month they are planning to fill the role at the club for the first time.
The Italian was appointed Atletico's sporting director last year but has been involved in their recruitment since 2013.
He also ensured the return of Diego Costa from Chelsea and tied Griezmann and star defender Diego Godin down to new long-term contracts over the past 12 months.
Berta was reportedly linked to United in the same role when Louis van Gaal was boss in 2016.
But the club were in a stronger position in the transfer market then and Woodward opted against bringing in a director of football.
Mourinho and Woodward have been at war over signings all summer.
The Portuguese was denied a new centre-back and in one interview he said his job should be redefined as 'head coach' rather than 'manager'.
United fans flew a banner over Turf Moor in the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Burnely earlier this month.