Manchester United's pursuit of acquiring a winger has taken them to Barcelona, as journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Red Devils have 'opened the talks' with the Catalan club over a possible loan move for Ousmane Dembele. Meanwhile, there are also reports that the Premier League are considering a new and improved bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jandon Sancho.
Man United have now opened talks with Barcelona for Ousmane Démbélé. #MUFC are offering a loan for Démbélé - while Sancho deal with BVB is stalling.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2020
Man Utd also contacted player's agent, putting so much effort to convince the player who already refused #LFC loan on June. 🔴
It is said that United have shortlisted as many as four players and France international remains their priority if their attempt of landing Sancho goes south. The other players in the list are Watford's Ismaila Sarr, Real Madrid's Luka Jovic and free agent Edinson Cavani.
Earlier this week, United made an official attempt of £91.3m (€100m) for Sancho, but the bid was straightway rejected by Dortmund. The offer, in fact, was an initial £73m, rising to up to £91.3m, which is significantly short of Dortmund's £108m valuation of the player.
Dortmund had initially set a deadline of August 10 to match the asking price or clearly mentioned that the 20-year-old won’t leave. The Red Devils, however, have not given up on their pursuit and expect to complete the deal before the transfer window closes on October 5.
New bid from AS Roma for Chris Smalling is coming, confirmed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2020
The offer will be more than €15m and close to €20m Man Utd price tag - that’s why Roma are “confident” to complete the deal.
Roma will also ask for Diogo Dalot on loan as part of the deal 🔴 @SkySport #MUFC #Roma https://t.co/KFx8m6yUiS
As far as Dembele is concerned, new Barca boss Ronald Koeman hinted that the club are open to do business for the player.
"The first thing to say is that it is up to the club and to the player.
"But he is with us and as we've seen in recent weeks I am counting on him....he has to wait to play but he is training well, getting fitter.”
Manchester United’s only summer signing has been Donny van de Beek, who arrived from Ajax on a five-year deal for a fee reported to be around £35m. Furthermore, if United do manage to acquire a winger, Daniel James’ playing time is expected to suffer. The 22-year-old, who arrived from Swansea City in 2019, was a subject of interest from Leeds United, but he said he wants to stay and fight for his place.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Josep Lago, Ina Fassbender
