Manchester United may no longer be able to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele in January due to Ansu Fati's injury.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were tipped to move for Dembele over the summer, with the Frenchman seen as an ideal alternative to Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, but a deal did not materialise and Dembele remained at Camp Nou.
However, the 23-year-old's troubles in Catalonia have continued this season and Dembele has struggled for a regular spot in the starting lineup under Ronald Koeman, but the winger's situation may be about to change in the wake of Fati's serious injury.
The teenage protege is understood to be facing a four-month spell on the sidelines with a meniscus tear, and according to Sport, Dembele will be a regular starter for the Catalan giants until Fati recovers.
As a result, any chances of the Red Devils striking a deal for Dembele during the January transfer window are incredibly slim, although the report claims that United are likely to reignite their interest next summer.
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Dembele is under contract at Camp Nou until 2022, and with the former Dortmund man seemingly in no rush to pen fresh terms, Barcelona could be open to a summer sale in order to avoid losing him for nothing.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
