Man Utd ‘looking to HIJACK Chelsea’s Malo Gusto transfer as they make contact with Lyon defender’
MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to hijack Chelsea’s transfer move for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, according to reports.
The 19-year-old is said to have agreed terms with the Blues and the West London club are in contact with Lyon.
Chelsea have offered the rising star a contract longer than five years and haven’t been shy with splashing the cash under owner Todd Boehly.
Boehly has signed off on nearly £400million pounds worth of transfers since buying the club with £151m of that coming in this month alone.
However, RMC Sport report that Man Utd are hoping to hijack Chelsea’s move for Gusto and have told the right-back to “not to rush” a decision.
It is not clear whether United would make a late January move or hope that Gusto holds off on a mid-season switch in order to swoop in the summer.
The latter could be more likely if the words of director of football John Murtough are to be believed.
Murtough said at a fans’ forum in December: “While we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window.
“January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go.
“It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.
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“We’ll see what’s possible in January but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
“We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings.
“You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
“As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.”
United did follow through on their pursuit of a new striker following the bitter departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Old Trafford club made a cost-effective signing by loaning Burnley striker Wout Weghorst.