Man Utd, Juventus in Bidding War for Ousmane Dembele

Man Utd, Juventus in Bidding War for Ousmane Dembele

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A host of European clubs, including Manchester United and Juventus, are weighing up a swoop for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, according to reports.

The 23-year-old French international looks set to be the subject of a four-way dogfight to secure his signature with his future in Catalonia increasingly unclear.

Mundo Deportivo have claimed that United and Juventus are at the front of the queue for Dembele – while Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain also hold an interest.

Dembele is said to be facing a ‘crossroads’ this summer and the winger will have to decide whether to fully commit to Barcelona or seek out a move elsewhere.

With just one year left until his deal runs down, the former Borussia Dortmund man has a number of options on the table.

The same report suggests that Dembele’s representatives have already been contacted by clubs to find out whether the electric star is willing to join them.

Among these potential suitors are the Premier League and Ligue 1 champions.

The model on show from both clubs, which places a heavy emphasis on buying young players to develop them, has rendered Dembele an ideal target.

Barcelona’s conundrum means that they will have to offload the winger in the coming months to gain a fee – otherwise they will lose him for nothing next year.

This situation has raised the possibility of a cut-price deal being thrashed out.

United’s attempt to take Dembele on loan last summer, with an option to buy, was well publicised and the Old Trafford giants have remained eager to land him.

It is understood that the club want to refresh their strike force and, with the future of Edinson Cavani now up in the air, have stayed in touch with Dembele’s agent.

Negotiations between United and Barcelona collapsed in dramatic fashion with the former believing a temporary switch was agreed.

Dembele refused to sign a new one-year contract at the Nou Camp, though, and his team pulled out.

Juventus also plan to add fresh faces up front and reportedly moved for Dembele last campaign. The player’s speed is said to be a major attraction for the Old Lady.

There is still a hope at Barcelona that Dembele will agree to renew his terms – but they are aware that there will be a sizeable market for him.

Dembele is enjoying a rich vein of form under boss Ronald Koeman this season. He has scored nine goals and teed up four more in all competitions.

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