Manchester United have first option on signing back Memphis Depay from Lyon, the French club has confirmed.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham recently, having impressed following his departure from Old Trafford nearly three years ago.
Depay scored just two goals in 33 appearances during his time at United after joining the club from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
The Dutch winger then made the move to Ligue 1 in a £15million deal, including – as the MEN previously reported – first option for United to buy him back.
Depay has continued his fine form for Lyon this season, scoring seven goals in 10 league appearances.
But with the French club struggling in 14th, the winger’s head could be turned with the January transfer window just around the corner.
Lyon’s director of football Juninho has stated that Depay is happy at the club, and is likely to be offered a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in 2021.
Should Depay show no sign of wanting to extend his stay in France, though, United would have first priority on their former winger.
"Manchester [United] has a priority if several clubs line up to buy him,” Juninho told the club’s official website.
“But we have not received any offers so far. He is really happy right now in Lyon. He deserves the armband like others.
“Rudi (Garcia) will soon make his decision. He is a technical leader. We will discuss an extension of contract by the end of the year.”
