As with Paul Pogba in midfield, uncertainty over Romelu Lukaku has tied Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hands in terms of his planning up front for Manchester United.
Daniel James has been brought in to provide more pace and options, while Mason Greenwood is seen as a surprise package. But Man Utd’s manager wants to recruit a player who can make an immediate impact and ideally one to solve the problem area on the right wing.
Jadon Sancho was the first choice target before Borussia Dortmund made it clear the England winger was not for sale, while interest in Lille forward Nicolas Pepe had cooled before Arsenal stepped up their pursuit.
Lyon’s Moussa Dembele has been watched – but Paulo Dybala is now the leading contender after talks were opened with Juventus over a swap deal for Lukaku.
The Argentine has been under consideration for some time, with United aware of his availability all summer.
A potential swap deal would be an ideal scenario.
Inter are reluctant to meet United’s valuation of £80m for Lukaku – making Juve potentially the Belgium international’s only option.
Dybala, who is also being monitored by Spurs, may not have been Solskjaer’s No1 attacking target, but is now considered a viable option, who would also represent the type of marquee signing that would appease supporters and investors alike.
