MANCHESTER UNITED are battling Juventus for pole position in the Ousmane Dembele transfer race, according to reports.
But Chelsea also look set to try their luck in landing the Barcelona contract rebel.
Dembele’s current deal at the Nou Camp expires at the end of the season and he does not look likely to put pen to paper on an extension.
And that would open the door for interested clubs to land him for free this summer.
According to Sport in Spain, the Red Devils and the Old Lady have been in ‘especially intense’ contact with Dembele’s representatives since the middle of 2021.
And the report even adds a suggestion that Dembele may have already signed a pre-contract agreement with one of those two clubs.
United almost landed Dembele two summers ago.
But with Anthony Martial set to leave Old Trafford, Dembele could come in as a direct replacement for his compatriot.
However, Juventus may be able to lure the World Cup winner to Turin.
They have lost winger Federico Chiesa for the rest of this season through his cruel ACL injury.
And the favourable tax rates for professional footballers in Italy could also help Juventus’ attempt.
The report also adds Chelsea have been in touch with Dembele this January over a potential offer.
However, Bayern Munich will not be making any offers because Dembele’s wage demands are too high.
And Paris Saint-Germain also have no interest in the winger because they do not trust his physical conditioning and want to pursue other targets.
Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for £99million.
He has 31 goals in 129 appearances – including one in 11 this season – but has been plagued by injuries throughout his time in LaLiga.
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