MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Ousmane Dembele.
ESPN report that Barcelona have opened talks over a new deal for the 23-year-old Frenchman.
Ousmane Dembele’s current Barcelona deal is set to expire in 2022Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The report states that negotiations with Dembele have been ongoing for ‘several weeks’.
Barcelona are keen to tie down the former Borussia Dortmund star with a long-term deal.
And the club do not want to lose him on a free when his current deal expires in 2022.
Dembele joined the club in an incredible £110million deal from BVB in 2018.
His time at the club has been plagued by injuries, but he has proved his potential this season.
The 23-year-old has chipped in with four goals and two assists in 11 appearances.
Last season he only managed nine appearances across all competitions.
It is understood that his contract renewal, should it be agreed, will not go through until January 24.
The Spanish side are not expected to complete any transfer business until their new president is elected.
But Manchester United will reportedly reignite their interest in Dembele next month.
Solskjaer’s side want to bring him to Old Trafford on loan before considering a permanent transfer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
