Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who is also a summer target for rivals Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are not the only big-name suitor eyeing a move for Ousmane Dembele in the summer transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights have now been joined by bitter rivals Liverpool, among others in the race to sign the Barcelona winger.
Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017, arriving at Camp Nou as a possible long-term replacement for Neymar, who had shocked the world with his move to PSG. The move to Barcelona, though, has not panned out as envisioned for the 23-year-old, who has been hampered considerably by a number of hamstring injuries.
The ongoing season, however, has offered some hope of a resurgence for Dembele, who has managed 35 appearances across all competitions, with 9 goals and 4 assists to show for his efforts. However, with his current deal with Barcelona set to expire in a little over a year’s time, there are concerns over his future. This has alerted Manchester United and Liverpool, among others.
Manchester United still continue to seek a solution to their right wing woes, especially with Mason Greenwood now seemingly being utilised centrally for good. That leaves young Amad Diallo as the only natural option on the right flank, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used Marcus Rashford, Greenwood and Daniel James in the position.
In Dembele, though, the Manchester United boss will have a more naturally adept option on the right wing, which perhaps, explains why the Red Devils have retained their interest in him. As for Liverpool, one of the newer entrants in the race to sign the Frenchman, a potential pursuit is not unfounded.
The Reds could be put in a precarious position over the future of Mohamed Salah, who has recently been linked with a possibe move away from Anfield. To that end, Liverpool do seem to be keeping their options open, with Kylian Mbappe reportedly their priority, while Lucas Ocampos has also emerged as a target.
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Dembele, to that end, is a viable target for Liverpool, although they are merely monitoring his situation for now, as are PSG. Manchester United, on the other hand, have already approached his agent to scour the possibility of a summer move, with Juventus also initiating contact.
However, it has previously been widely reported that Dembele would prefer staying put at Camp Nou, with Barcelona keen on tying him down to a new deal as well. But, if progress over a renewal proves to be slow, the Blaugrana could be forced to put him on the transfer list, which could open up the opportunity for Liverpool, Manchester United and others to swoop in for a move.
