Woodward ‘progresses talks’ over Man Utd deal for Dembele
Manchester United have reportedly “progressed talks” with Barcelona over the transfer of Ousmane Dembele.
United have proposed a season long loan deal for the Frenchman, while Barcelona want him to leave permanently, according to the Daily Record.
The report claims Ed Woodward has spoken to Barcelona chiefs about the viability of a move.
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Barcelona are prepared to allow the forward to leave on loan before the end of the transfer window, but only if there is an obligatory purchase option included in the deal.
The 23-year-old moved from Borussia Dortmund for €105million in the summer of 2017 and has so far indicated his desire to remain at the Nou Camp and fight for his place under new boss Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona do need to balance their books after president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s decision to prevent Lionel Messi from leaving the club: they need to shed around 30 per cent of the wage bill before the end of the window.
Dembele is on a basic annual salary of €6million after-tax; his current contract expires in June 2022.
