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Manchester United are reportedly targeting Lyon striker Moussa Dembele in the summer transfer window.
Erik ten Hag could be forced into signing a new attacker as star man Cristiano Ronaldo continues to demand an exit. The Portuguese legend has made his feelings known that he sees his future elsewhere.
However, the new United boss has said that Ronaldo will be part of his plans for the upcoming season.
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During a press conference held in Bangkok, Ten Hag told reporters: “Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, he is in our plans - he's not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that's it”
Due to ‘personal reasons’, the 37-year-old is not part of the United squad that travelled to Asia.
United will have started to compile a list of potential replacements for Ronaldo, with Dembele a feasible option for the Red Devils.
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According to French news outlet Media Foot Marseille, the Old Trafford club are back in contact with Lyon for Dembele.
With just one year left of his current deal, Dembele could be signed for a much lower fee.
The Frenchman will be able to discuss a pre contract with any club from January 2023, which means he would leave Lyon for nothing, something the French club are hoping to avoid, therefore they could be tempted into cashing in on the striker this summer if a suitable bid comes in.
United will face competition from another club in the Premier League. According to SunSport, Southampton are also interested in bringing in Dembele. The Saints are looking to add to their attacking options after losing Armando Broja after he returned to Chelsea upon the expiration of his loan spell at the St. Mary’s club.
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Dembele, 25, started his career at Fulham where he scored 19 goals in 64 games. Which earned him a move to the Scottish Premier League with Celtic.
He showed great form and a keen eye for goal as he racked up 51 goals in 94 matches for the Hoops.
In 2018, Dembele left Celtic to join French Ligue 1 outfit Lyon. He went on to score 67 goals in 143 matches for the club.
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He also had a loan spell at Atletico Madrid, however, his stint in the Spanish capital was a disaster, he managed zero goals during his time playing under the fiery Diego Simeone.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Moussa Dembele, Lyon
