MANCHESTER UNITED are set to rival Chelsea after preparing a £43million bid for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, according to reports.
Frank Lampard is looking for extra competition for Tammy Abraham while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is having to make do without Marcus Rashford for up to three months.
Man Utd are preparing a £43m bid for DembeleCredit: AFP or licensors
The Reds are said to be reluctant to rely on Anthony Martial, who missed a great chance to equalise in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Mason Greenwood, 18, is one for the future and Solskjaer reportedly wants to bide his time with his development.
That has led United to look into Europe in their search for a new frontman.
And, according to Foot Mercato, they have settled upon 23-year-old ex-Fulham man Dembele.
United reportedly scouted Dembele in action against Nantes on the weekend.
His performance in the 4-3 Lyon away win, in which Dembele got his side’s fourth, is said to have convinced them that now is the time to act.
However, the side’s president Michel Aulas has said he will not allow the sale of Dembele in this window.
It is thought he could be tempted if a big enough offer comes in.
Dembele has scored 11 goals in 19 Ligue 1 games so far this season.
Meanwhile, United’s seemingly never-ending pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes goes on.
The clubs are set to “meet in the middle” after a dispute over the payment structure of bonuses and upfront fee.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man United job is safe even if Red Devils miss out on European spot altogether
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
