Manchester United have maintained their interest in FC Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele despite a botched move in the summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Sport, Ousmane Dembele’s potential move to Manchester United is still a possibility as the Premier League still hold a firm interest in the Barcelona winger. The club was on the verge of securing the player’s services in the summer but the move fell through at the last minute.

However, that hasn’t deterred the Red Devils, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have no intention of paying the €70 million – €80 million valuation Barcelona currently hold for Dembele. Instead, they are eyeing a potential loan deal, although the likelihood of that happening in the upcoming January transfer window is close to none due to Barca’s injury crisis this season.

Dembele, who chose to remain with at Barcelona following the appointment of Ronald Koeman, has become an asset for the Blaugrana this season. His presence in the side was always going to be critical following the club’s failed attempts to sign Olympique Lyon attacker Memphis Depay in the summer.

The Frenchman has now become even more important due to the injury of Ansu Fati. The youngster, following an incredible start to the campaign, picked up an unfortunate knee injury earlier in November. It ruled him out on the sidelines for at least four months, leaving Barcelona quite vulnerable in the attacking unit.

Could Barcelona soon be seeing the back of Ousmane Dembele? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Could Barcelona soon be seeing the back of Ousmane Dembele? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Although the Spanish giants have appeared quite lucky with the return of Phillipe Coutinho, they haven’t been helped by the poor performances from last summer’s marquee signing Antoine Griezmann.

It doesn’t bode well for Manchester United, who are in desperate need of reinforcements in the wide-attacking department. The Red Devils haven’t had much luck with Daniel James while their misfortunes in the Jadon Sancho pursuit have already been well-documented.

So in Dembele, they might have had an excellent alternative – someone who is not only experienced at the highest level of football but also has the ability to make an impact Old Trafford. But it appears Manchester United might once again have to opt for someone else, with Barcelona now even willing to hand Dembele a new contract extension.

On the bright side, however, United might just be lucky enough to get their hands on Sancho next summer. The Englishman has had a slight decline in form that should affect his market value, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire over the next few weeks.

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