Transfer news: Manchester United find Lukaku’s replacement

Man Utd target Dembele as Lukaku replacement

Manchester United are contemplating making a move for Lyon's Moussa Dembele if, as expected, Romelu Lukaku leaves the club to join Inter Milan this summer.

Lukaku has been linked with a move away ever since he professed his love for the Italian league, saying last month: "I am a big Serie A fan, those close to me know that I have always wanted to play in the English league and in the Italian one: I love Italy."

Although the two clubs have yet to agree a transfer fee for the Belgian, with United holding out for £75m after rejecting an offer of £54m from Inter, it is expected the deal will still go through before the end of the transfer window.

If that is the case United Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified Dembele as the man to replace Lukaku according to Sky Sports News.

The 23-year-old, once of Fulham and Celtic, impressed in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances to help Lyon to a third place finish.

Other than Lukaku United currently only have Marcus Rashford and 17-year-old Mason Greenwood as options for out-and-out strikers, although Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez can also play further forward.

Another attacking option would be welcome at Old Trafford, with United having already signed winger Daniel James from Swansea.

United are said to be considering a move for Lyon’s Moussa Dembele if Romelu Lukaku leaves this summer

The defence remains the priority, however, with Solskjaer still desperate to acquire England centre-back Harry Maguire from Leicester having already brought in full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for £50m.

If Lukaku does go to Inter he will leave as the joint 19th all-time top Premier League scorer with 113 goals, the same as ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

He has scored 42 times in 96 appearances in all competitions for United, but Solskjaer clearly feels the time is right to move the player on.