Manchester United have opened discussions to sign Lyon and France midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according to reports in France.
Old Trafford bosses have repeatedly made it clear to Ruben Amorim that they are prepared to back the Portuguese with a complete squad overhaul on the back of the club’s wretched season last term.
But the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves remains United’s one and only first-team addition this summer and frustrations are growing amongst the fanbase, with Premier League rivals splashing the cash and strengthening in the transfer market.
The Red Devils are closing on in a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, though, and a number of high-profile midfielders have been linked with moves to the Theatre of Dreams in recent weeks, including PSG’s Fabian Ruiz and Valencia’s Javi Guerra.
According to L’Equipe, Lyon star Tolisso is the latest name to find himself on United’s shortlist of potential options and ‘initial contact’ has been made with the Frenchman’s entourage to ‘explore the feasibility’ of a transfer.
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Tolisso is said to be ‘interested in the project’ and ‘not indifferent’ to the prospect of joining such a prestigious club, but has no intention of forcing his way out of Lyon – the team he signed for at the age of just 13.
The report adds that Lyon’s hierarchy are prepared to fight to keep hold of Tolisso given they want to ‘build around’ the 30-year-old under head coach Paulo Fonseca next season.
While Tolisso rejected several offers from the Turkish Super Lig earlier this summer, the Saudi Pro League is seen as a ‘credible destination’ for the former Bayern Munich man and a potential threat to United.
Tolisso’s current contract with Lyon runs through to June 2027.
It’s claimed the France international is valued at over €10million (£8.7m).
Across his five years with Bayern, Tolisso helped the club win a total of 13 trophies, including five Bundesliga titles and the 2019/20 Champions League.
Tolisso was also a part of Didier Deschamps’ France squad that lifted the World Cup in 2018, with the central midfielder making five appearances across Les Bleus’ triumphant campaign.
In March, Tolisso spoke of his desire to return to the international arena having been left out by Deschamps since 2021.
‘It is an objective to return to the France squad,’ Tolisso’s told L’Equipe.
‘When you have won the World Cup and the Champions League, what else can you aspire to?
‘I want to win trophies, to win titles, I want to relive that.’
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