Liverpool make approach for Chelsea and Man Utd target to follow Florian Wirtz

Liverpool have reached out to the player’s representatives (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United and Liverpool will rival Chelsea in the race to sign Lyon starlet Malick Fofana.

Fofana emerged as one of Lyon’s brightest young stars following his arrival from Gent in January 2024, making 41 appearances across all competitions with 11 goals and six assists to his name last season.

The 20-year-old also caught the eye during Lyon’s Europa League campaign, coming off the bench against Manchester United to help spark a comeback at Old Trafford before Harry Maguire’s late heroics.

Lyon have already cashed in on one of their prized assets this summer with Rayan Cherki joining Manchester City.

L’Equipe report Fofana could now join him with three Premier League giants interested in his services.

Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.

Chelsea have already made formal contact with Lyon over a move while Liverpool have reached out to Fofana’s representatives to discuss a possible move to Anfield.

United are also admirers but are not reported to have reached out to Lyon or Fofana’s team at this point.

Fofana scored 11 goals last season (Picture: Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest have also shown interest in the winger.

Lyon paid €17million to sign the Belgium international from Gent 18 months ago and will be expecting a fee of €50m (£43m) if their young star is to leave this summer.

Chelsea are in the market for another wide option after deciding not to take up their option to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis from Manchester United.

The Blues were in talks to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund before the World Club Cup but could not get a deal over the line before the pre-competition transfer window closed on 10 June.

Wirtz has agreed a deal to join Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)

Liverpool meanwhile have made key additions to their squad with Jeremie Frimpong arriving to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. A deal for Florian Wirtz is also done with Milos Kerkez also expected to arrive from Bournemouth.

More Trending

But another attacking option is also on the club’s list of targets.

United meanwhile have signed Matheus Cunha and hope to bring in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to join him.

Alejandro Garnacho, their most used wide option last season, is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer along with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

Arrow MORE: Chelsea and Arsenal told to sign former Man Utd midfielder on free transfer

Arrow MORE: Arsenal pundit insists Mikel Arteta ‘should have signed Chelsea star for £40m in January’

Click here to read article