Man Utd make contact with defender over January move as 'huge offer' considered

Manchester United have made contact with Olympique Lyonnais right-back Malo Gusto, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.

ESPN has claimed that Chelsea are preparing an offer for Gusto, and are aware that it could cost some £35million to lure him away from Ligue 1.

Indeed, the full-back reportedly wants a move to Stamford Bridge, having already agreed to personal terms with the Blues on a six-and-a-half-year deal.

However, according to the publication, there is a sticking point in negotiations, with Lyon hoping to take the 19-year-old back on loan for the remainder of the season and Chelsea wanting to secure his services immediately.

However, another potential issue in Chelsea's pursuit of Gusto could be the interest of Man Utd and Newcastle.

United make contact with Gusto

Man Utd could hijack Chelsea’s deal for Gusto, having reportedly made contact with the teenager.

According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Old Trafford club have entered the fray, and have even asked the player not to rush into joining Chelsea.

Despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s January resurgence, Man Utd have been pursuing a right-back all season, with first-choice Diogo Dalot out of contract in the summer of 2024.

Hawkins added that Newcastle were also making advances to sign the highly-coveted defender.

The Saudi-backed side are said to be considering making a “huge offer” for the player.

Gusto, a product of the Lyon academy, made his debut for the club aged just 17 and has made 47 senior appearances since.

The youngster is also reportedly on Didier Deschamps’ radar for the France national team, having represented his country at youth level.

The speedy attacking right-back has around 18 months left on his existing Lyon deal.