Pranav Nair
Ousmane Dembele happy at Barcelona amidst Manchester United interest
According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United target, Ousmane Dembele will only consider his future after considering a contract offer from Barcelona.
The 23-year-old is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Nou Camp at the end of the season. Injuries have largely limited his influence but he remains a favourite of new manager Ronald Koeman.
Having missed just five games this season, Dembele looks to be getting his physical prowess back on track. Koeman attributed this improvement in fitness as a major reason for the player’s development this season.
United have monitored the player for some time now. Our efforts to land him last summer were vetoed by Koeman, who has since seen Dembele flourish under his guidance.
According to the report, the Frenchman is aware of United’s supposed interest but is keen to stay at the Nou Camp. New Barcelona president Joan Laporta has set Dembele’s contract as one of his first priorities, the report adds, while Koeman is also keen to keep hold of him.
This means bad news for United who now have a fight on their hands to sign the player. The player will wait for Barcelona to present their offer before making a decision regarding United.
Still just 23, Dembele is finally starting to showcase his ability on a regular basis. A pacy, direct attacker, he would have added much to the United attack.
The Red Devils have largely been dependent on Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes to make things happen offensively. Adding more bite to the attack is something that needs to be done this off-season.
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Dembele has so far made 36 appearances this campaign, scoring 10 goals and assisting four. He was the hero for Barcelona once again on Monday as the Catalans defeated Real Valladolid 1-0.
The Frenchman scored the only goal on the night as they moved one point behind Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga. (h/t Transfermarkt)
