Manchester United step up interest in signing 23-goal striker

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in signing Moussa Dembele from Lyon, a report from L'Equipe claims.

The Red Devils are likely to make a high-profile addition to the centre-forward department and they have been linked with a number of names in recent weeks including Timo Werner and Raul Jimenez.

However, according to L'Equipe, Lyon's Dembele has been earmarked as the prime target and the club are likely to open formal negotiations for his services in the coming weeks.

Dembele was valued at around £60m at the beginning of the year but United are aiming to sign him for a reduced £45m fee amid the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Celtic man has bagged 23 goals in the current season. He may have already played his final game for the French outfit, considering the Ligue 1 campaign was cancelled last month due to the virus outbreak.

Apart from United, Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the marksman in recent months. The Blues failed with a bid of around £34m for the player in January.