Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly targeting a move for Lyon star Malo Gusto when the transfer window opens on January 1.
The Red Devils spent well over £200m this summer as Ten Hag looked to revolutionise his under-performing squad. And four of those new signings were in action on Sunday as United recovered from a goal down to beat Everton 2-1. The result was their fifth win in six Premier League games and takes United up to fifth in the table.
Indeed, Rio Ferdinand was absolutely beaming over one of those arrivals with the pundit highlighting his qualities that will have Ten Hag purring.
And while an obvious gap remains evident between themselves and Manchester City, hopes are alive that United can reclaim a top-four spot this season.
However, Ten Hag knows the re-modelling of his squad is far from complete. Indeed, he was warned by predecessor Ralf Rangnick over the summer that the Red Devils squad needs as many as 10 new players.
And the one position Ten Hag will look to address next is at right-back.
That is a position currently occupied in the side by Diogo Dalot. And while the Portuguese star has performed well, Ten Hag is casting his eye over potential upgrades across the globe.
As a result, United have been strongly linked with a number of options. The club looked at Sergino Dest over the summer, only to see the American move to AC Milan.
And they are also reportedly keen on Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan, a player Ten Hag knows well from his time in ther Netherlands.
Ten Hag settles on Malo Gusto signing
However, Inter are adamant they will not cash in. They are likely to lose Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrij in the coming months and can ill afford to see Dumfries depart too.
The Red Devils are also reportedly casting their eyes over Monaco right-back Vanderson. However, the 21-year-old is contracted to the Stade Louis II until 2027 – and any deal for the Brazilian is likely to set them back an eye-watering fee.
But a solution appears to have presented itself in the form of Lyon star Malo Gusto.
The 19-year-old only made his debut for Les Gones in January of this year. But he’s now one of the first names on their teamsheet. Furthermore, observers already regard Gusto as one of the most outstanding prospects in Europe.
Indeed, he now has six assists from 35 starts to his name – performances that have caught the attention of several top sides.
To that end, 90min report that Gusto is now one of the most in-demand stars in Europe. Indeed, United are just one of several big-name sides making regular checks on his progress.
To that end, Barcelona are also being strongly linked with Xavi also seeking a new right-back.
But Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City are also reportedly keen.
However, reports earlier this year claim United have already registered their interest in the teenager.
As such, United are reportedly favourites for his signature when the window opens in just 82 days.
Man Utd sense transfer opportunity owing to contract situation
With Gusto now reportedly top of their radar, United are seemingly stepping up their bid to sign him.
And they could secure his signing for a relative bargain with his Lyon deal currently due to expire in 2024.
With just 18 months left on his deal, Lyon are frantically trying to secure their star to an extension.
However, a failure to agree fresh terms will present United with a huge opportunity.
Ten Hag will have money to spend in January. However, transfer funds will be fairly tight with a bigger eye on the summer window.
But the opportunity to land Gusto – potentially for a bargain deal – will be too good an opportunity to pass up.
They could even potentially offset his cost by the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has now future under Ten Hag.
