Manchester United are reportedly plotting a swoop for Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele, as Romelu Lukaku nears an exit from Old Trafford.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester United are lining up a move for Olympique Lyon and France U-21 striker Moussa Dembele, should they lose Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan in the ongoing transfer window.
Lukaku has been linked with a transfer away from Manchester United all summer, with Serie A giants Inter Milan strongly interested in snapping up the Belgian international. The Nerazzurri have already had a £54 million offer rejected for the striker as well, with the Red Devils demanding a fee around the £79 million, according to the report.
However, Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte remains intent on landing Lukaku and the Belgian too is keen on sealing a transfer. Lukaku immediately jetted out to Belgium after arriving in Manchester following the club’s pre-season tour where he will be meeting his agent to try and push a move.
While a transfer hasn’t been finalized yet, all signs point towards an exit from Old Trafford for Lukaku. And, Manchester United are already preparing a probable list of replacements for the former Everton and Chelsea striker in case he ends up leaving.
Lille forward Nicolas Pepe was a prime target for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Ivorian is closing towards a switch to Serie A side Napoli, which in turn has forced the Red Devils to turn their focus towards Olympique Lyon’s Moussa Dembele.
Dembele burst onto the scenes at Fulham, before earning a name for himself with Scottish champions Celtic, where he won back-to-back domestic trebles under Brendan Rodgers. The 23-year-old joined Lyon from Celtic last summer and enjoyed an impressive campaign on his return to his homeland.
In 46 appearances for Lyon across all competitions, Dembele produced an impressive return of 20 goals and 6 assists, attracting interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils had been linked with a €45 million move for the Frenchman earlier this summer, but the rumours had died down in recent weeks. However, as per the report, United are set to revisit their interest in the 23-year-old.
Dembele has the potential to be a good addition to this Manchester United side, with his pace, dribbling and finishing abilities. Young and loaded with potential, he fits into the profile of players that manager Solskjaer is trying to build his team around, while he also has a considerable amount of experience under his belt as well.
Dembele is contracted with Lyon till 2023 and it remains to be seen if Manchester United are able to convince the Ligue 1 side to part with their prized asset, considering that they have already lost Nabil Fekir this summer. Any move though, is likely to hinge on Lukaku leaving Old Trafford for Inter.
