Aston Villa rival Manchester United in Moussa Dembele pursuit

Aston Villa are reportedly chalking up a plan to sign Moussa Dembele, who has also attracted attention from Manchester United.

As per Media Foot Marseille, Aston Villa are ready to move in for Lyon attacker Moussa Dembele. Manchester United are also in the queue for the 26-year-old French striker and could execute their plan if the situation permits.

The centre-forward is still regarded as one of the best in Ligue 1 but has not been able to perform consistently this season. Still, he is being seen as a player who could be able to change the scenario if he arrives at a certain destination.

Dembele returned to France in 2018 as Lyon paid a €22 million fee for him. But they will be unable to fetch that amount as the 26-year-old French striker has entered the last six months of his contract.

Lyon will be forced to place the player in the market as they do not want to lose one of their most coveted assets for free. A contract extension could also be on the cards, but the French international is not convinced and could leave next month.

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Galatasaray have already proposed an offer, but Lyon are looking for a much higher fee for the 26-year-old. Meanwhile, Dembele will not be a bad choice for Aston Villa given the fact that he used to score goals at regular intervals for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Lyon would accept a sum in the region of €8-10 million, and Villa should not have any problem as Unai Emery has prioritised a forward as a cover to Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

Manchester United have been searching for a suitable replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Dembele has emerged as a target. Due to budget constraints, they are not expected to invest big in a striker, and Dembele’s current situation would suit them perfectly.

Also Read: Three potential January signings for Manchester United

Aston Villa have stayed safe from the relegation zone so far and will be eyeing a place in the top half at the end of the season. Celtic would have hoped for a windfall as they inserted a 15 per cent sell-on clause during his sale to Lyon. But it seems they would not get the expected amount as Dembele is set to leave the French club for a much lower sum.

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