Manchester United are interested in signing Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon but will have to pay £72m to acquire his services, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The Frenchman is reportedly in hot demand this January, with Manchester City, Barcelona and Inter Milan all interested in signing the highly rated midfielder. Given Lyon’s early-season success, many of their stars have received notable attention, with Ndombele being of no exception. Despite only joining the French club last July, the midfielder has quickly established himself in being his side’s key central midfielder.
As an all-rounded player, Ndombele flourishes in an offensive and defensive manner. He enjoys both bringing the ball forward from deep, whilst also maintaining his position as a holding midfielder, keeping his side tight at the back. It is certainly of no surprise to see why so many European clubs are interested in his services, as his presence on the field is a key reason behind why Lyon find themselves in the last sixteen of the Champions League.
What Is Being Said?
Tuttomercatoweb have reported that Man United are keen to sign the Frenchman, but have been told that it will cost £72m to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford. At just the age of 22, Lyon’s value of Ndombele can certainly be justified and they look set to play hardball over their star man. Having just signed for the French club last summer, they will be in rush to sell on the midfielder, due to the four years left on his current contract. The Italian outlet have also stated that Barcelona and Inter Milan are interested in making the deal happen this month, so the Red Devils appear to be in tough competition for Ndombele’s signature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been quiet on transfer stories in his press conferences, with there being no specific mention of the Frenchman’s name. With the Norwegian currently being in charge until only the end of the season, there remains the question as to how much transfer budget he will be allocated in January, if any at all. Given the fact that Ndombele is a central midfielder, there is also the question as to whether he should be a priority for United. With summer signing Fred still setting into life in Manchester and the depth in selection of midfielders, Solskjaer may prefer to look elsewhere.
The Verdict
The reported asking value is certainly a lucrative one, but European clubs are seemingly still interested in Ndombele. United have been no strangers to signing midfielders over the last couple of years, but fans would certainly question this fee if the deal were to go through. The general consensus amongst the Old Trafford faithful is that the club is currently in need of a centre back and a right winger, before anything else.