Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'make late swoop for Moussa Dembele'

By Sean WilsonPublished: 07 August 2019 9:45 AM

Manchester United are reportedly making a late bid to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester United have reportedly made a late swoop for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

The Old Trafford hierarchy view the Frenchman as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who looks to be on the verge of a switch to Serie A with either Juventus or Inter Milan as he trains with former club Anderlecht.

Twenty-three-year-old forward Dembele hit 23 goals across all competitions after joining the Ligue 1 side from Celtic last summer and could be on the move again after just one year back in his native France.

Dembele had been linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier in the window, but United appeared to cool their interest as they explored a swap deal with Juventus involving Paulo Dybala and potentially Mario Mandzukic which would have seen Lukaku go in the opposite direction.

However, Argentine forward Dybala's wage demands were beyond what United were willing to pay, causing the deal to break down and forcing the Red Devils to make a late play for previous target Dembele, according to The Mirror.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be left with just Marcus Rashford as a senior out-and-out striker if Lukaku was to leave without being replaced before the transfer window shuts, although academy player Mason Greenwood impressed in pre-season and the likes of Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez can play up front if required.