Man Utd join Newcastle in Ousmane Dembele race as Barcelona star make transfer decision | Football | sport
Manchester United have reportedly joined Premier League wrestlers Newcastle United in the race to sign Ousmane Dembele as the winger has made up his mind about his future. Dembele is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of the season as the La Liga giants have been in talks with his representatives over a new deal.
Despite these talks, several potential suitors revolve around the Frenchman, who suffered an injury at Camp Nou.
A knee injury has limited Dembele to just four appearances in all competitions this season, and he has yet to score or assist a goal.
The 24-year-old has spent much of his time at Barca in the treatment room following a £ 124million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
Despite his obvious talent, he failed to live up to the hefty price tag, scoring just 30 goals and notching just 21 assists for Barca.
Several teams are however considering a free transfer from the Frenchman, with Newcastle seen as the leader after his takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
JUST IN: Barcelona take clear decision on target for Chelsea and Man Utd Dembele
Newcastle are also keen to bring him to St James’ Park, with Dembele now having a decision to make on his next move.
It seems the Frenchman thinks his future is far from Camp Nou after a scorching four-year spell in Catalonia.
According to El Chiringuito, via La Sexta, Dembele has told Barca boss Xavi he “will not continue” at Barca.
Spanish journalist Jota Jordi claimed that although Xavi insisted he would be a key part of his plans, Dembele would choose to reject the offer of a new deal.
“Dembélé told Xavi not to count on him for next year. They will try to convince him, I understand. He can negotiate with whoever he wants in 25 days, ”Jota told El Chiringuito.
Jota added that one of the reasons for Dembele’s decision was an offer from England of “a lot of money”.
La Sexta report that the offer comes from Newcastle, which is desperate to create a sensation in the transfer market under its Saudi owners.
Dembele can sign a pre-contract deal in January, although Barca can of course try to sell him at a discount if he makes it clear he will leave.