Lyon president handed Chelsea and Manchester United transfer boost

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has handed Chelsea and Manchester United transfer boost as the two Premier League club vie for the signature of Moussa Dembele.

Aulas was of the view that it would be difficult to keep hold of Dembele this summer amid links with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Chelsea and Manchester United have seen the French attacker as the player who can lead the line for the respective clubs and both clubs are ready to go toe to toe for his signature when the summer transfer window opens.

The 23-year-old attacker scored 22 goals in 42 appearances for Lyon in all competitions so far and the club is still much alive in the Champions League having defeated Juventus 1-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 encounter.

Dembele has just a year left in his deal and he is unwilling to sign an extended deal as he looks to ply his trade in England next season.

The former Fulham and Celtic star is keen on a return to Premier League and would refuse any package presented to him by the club president has he has his mind fixed already after Lyon failed to make the European slot next season.

Houssem Aouar is another Lyon player attracting interest from heavyweight clubs across Europe, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal said to be lining up a move.