The ManicaPost
Manchester United are closely tracking Celtic’s young striker Moussa Dembele ahead of a possible January move.The Old Trafford club sent scout David Friio to see the 20-year-old play and score twice for France’s Under 21 side against England on Monday night.
Manager Jose Mourinho is understood to be a fan of Dembele and watched him three times last season prior to his move to Parkhead, including Fulham’s home game against Middlesbrough in the Championship.
The Portuguese is thought to see similarities between the youngster and former Chelsea charge Didier Drogba.
However, Sportsmail understands Celtic are not interested in allowing Dembele leave Glasgow in the January window. The player’s value has also rocketed from the £500,000 he cost Celtic — he may now be worth millions.
The player himself is not keen to depart Parkhead after just six months, during which time he has blossomed under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, and is aiming to win the Premiership with the Scottish giants.
United may choose to take a longer-term approach, although their desire to move in January would be increased if Memphis Depay were to leave Old Trafford. A switch for the Dutch winger to Everton on loan has been mooted.
United are not the only team eyeing a move for Dembele — Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich were among the clubs to send scouts to Bondoufle on Monday to watch him.
United have an advantage because of their long-standing interest in Dembele. They have been aware of his talent since his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Their interest was firmed up by a performance against United’s Under 21s in October 2013. That game was Darren Fletcher’s return to action after 10 months out and was watched by Nicky Butt, the head of coaching at Manchester United’s academy and then first-team coach Phil Neville, with club icon David Beckham also in attendance. Dembele scored for Fulham in the 35th minute of the match.
Dembele has emerged as one of Europe’s most highly-rated young strikers after a blistering start to life at Parkhead.He has scored three times in the Champions League — including two goals against Pep Guardiola’s City side — and seven times in the Premiership.
Dembele also scored the first Old Firm league hat-trick since 1966 as Celtic beat Rangers 5-1 on September 10. — Daily Mail.
