Romano reveals that key Man Utd, Aston Villa, Everton striker target will leave as transfer battle heats up

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton target Moussa Dembele will leave Lyon at the end of the season. 

The former Celtic striker’s contract at the French club is set to expire in June, meaning he will be available on a free transfer.

However, Man Utd, Villa and Everton are not the only teams in the race for Dembele, so they will face competition for his signature.

Indeed, this was confirmed by Romano on Sunday, who described the race as ‘open’.

On Twitter, he wrote: “Moussa Dembele will leave Olympique Lyon as a free agent in the summer.

“No doubts –  decision made and to be confirmed at the end of the season.

“Many clubs are keen on signing him on free deal; Serie A and Premier League clubs included. Race is still very open.”

Dembele is a proven goal scorer. At Celtic, the Frenchman netted 51 times in 94 appearances in a successful two-year stint.

The 26-year-old has been slightly less prolific at Lyon, scoring 70 in 171 outings, but these are still admirable numbers nonetheless.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see Villa and Everton pushing to sign him on a free transfer.

READ MORE: Sources: Aston Villa agree terms of crucial new deal for Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham target

Everton make the first move for Dembele

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Everton have offered Dembele a four-year deal as they look to win the battle for his services. 

However, as mentioned, Man Utd and Aston Villa have also registered an interest in the 26-year-old.

Also, for the Toffees to have any chance of signing him at all, they will need to remain in the Premier League.

Sean Dyche’s team currently find themselves in 18th place in the table, but only one point adrift from safety. Nevertheless, there is a real chance Everton could be relegated for the first time side 1951.

Scoring goals has undoubtedly been the Merseysider’s biggest problem. So far, they have netted just 24 times in 32 matches, the fewest of any Premier League side.

As a result, brining in Dembele would be a smart bit of business. But, a move to Villa or Man Utd would certainly be much more attractive proposition for Dembele as it stands.

Villa, Man Utd to rival Toffees for Dembele

Indeed, Villa are absolutely flying under Unai Emery at the moment and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table.

This gives the Clarets a great opportunity to qualify for European football for the first time since 2011 – something that may convince Dembele to head to Villa Park.

Although, with Ollie Watkins currently in the form of his life – he may struggle to get into Emery’s starting XI.

Man Utd are certainly the biggest club of the three and their interest in Dembele dates back a long way.

They have plenty of other striker targets, though, including Tottenham captain Harry Kane and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

As a result, it will be up to Erik ten Hag to decide whether he thinks Dembele is good enough to lead the line alongside Marcus Rashford next season.

If Man Utd do make an offer for the striker, he would probably find it difficult say no.

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