MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a shock move for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele for a bargain £47million, according to reports.
The Catalan side are prepared to take a huge hit on the Frenchman having paid Borussia Dortmund £108m for his signature three years ago.
Dembele, 23, has shown glimpses of his terrific potential during his time in Spain but has failed to perform consistently.
A string of injuries and behavioural issues, including failing to show up for training, have contributed to his fall in a Barca shirt.
AS report that United are ready to help reignite his career with the player keen to make the move.
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They add Barcelona are open to cashing in because they want to use the cash to help land Memphis Depay.
Although it is understood that no official bid has been made, Barca would accept an offer around £47m should one be lodged.
Mundo Deportivo journalist Francesc Aguilar claimed United's chief executive Ed Woodward convinced Dembele to join.
He wrote on Twitter: "Ed Woodward was the one who contacted Ousmane Dembélé's environment and with Barca.
"They had been trying to convince Dembele for a long time. In the end, they have succeeded."
Dembele made just five league appearances last season after undergoing an operation on a hamstring injury.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign a new forward before deadline day on October 5.
Jadon Sancho remains his first choice and they firmly remain in the hunt for his signature after seeing a £91.3m rejected.
Borussia Dortmund are holding out for £108m as they have done all summer.
Sancho is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League with United prepared to offer him a five-year contract worth £350,000-a-week.
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