By Betsefy
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make an official approach for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto.
The 19-year-old has become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Les Gones over the past year and has one assist to show from 14 Ligue 1 matches in the 2022-23 season.
Gusto burst onto the scene under Peter Bosz and has remained a regular since the arrival of Laurent Blanc, but his deal with Lyon only runs until the summer of 2024.
The teenager’s form and contract situation has apparently attracted the interest of Man United, and Lyon could be in a position to sell next year if Gusto does not sign a new deal.
According to Media Foot, the Red Devils are readying a bid of €30m (£26.6m) for the France Under-21 international, and Lyon will entertain appropriate bids in the January window.
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Man United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to add competition for Diogo Dalot in the right-back spot, and Lyon are not prepared to let Gusto leave on a free transfer in 18 months time.
The teenager has spent six years at Lyon since joining their academy setup in 2016, and he has registered six assists in 53 matches for the club since breaking into the first team.
Gusto enjoyed his breakthrough year in 2021-22, coming up with four assists in 30 Ligue 1 matches and also setting up one goal in seven Europa League games as Les Gones reached the quarter-finals.
Dalot has successfully ousted Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the right-back spot at Old Trafford, and Man United have now extended the Portuguese’s contract for another 12 months amid reported interest from Barcelona.
Dalot’s strong form has forced Wan-Bissaka to accept a peripheral role in the team, with the 25-year-old making just two appearances in all competitions for Man United in the 2022-23 campaign.
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Crystal Palace have been tipped to re-sign Wan-Bissaka, who is also out of contract in 2024, but Ten Hag believes that the Englishman still has a future at the Theatre of Dreams.
Speaking to reporters after Wan-Bissaka started and claimed an assist in Wednesday’s 2-0 EFL Cup fourth-round win over Burnley, Ten Hag said: “Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it is clear he has a future (here).
“He’s had some good years with United, but from the start of this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries, and so was running behind. His fitness levels are getting better, his performance levels are getting better.
“When you get an assist, especially the way he got that assist with his movement and the right moment, the timing and then a great pass of course from Bruno (Fernandes). But this is great and so I’m happy with his performance. He did good.”
With Dalot nursing a thigh injury that he picked up during the World Cup, Wan-Bissaka could make his first Premier League start of the season when Man United meet Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
