Sources: Erik ten Hag told by Man United scout to sign Lyon sensation
Man United are keeping close tabs on Lyon defender Castello Lukeba, sources have told Football Insider.
The France Under-21 international, who only turned 20 in December, is regarded as one of the outstanding centre-backs in his age group in Europe.
He is already an established member of the Lyon back line and made his 21st start of the season in last Sunday’s 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Lens.
United scouts are monitoring Lukeba ahead of the summer as they plot an overhaul of their defence.
One member of the club’s recruitment team is believed to have recommended to Erik ten Hag that he is a generational player the club should signing.
There is a lot of interest from Europe’s top clubs in the France Under-21 international, who is already valued at over £30million by his club.
Teammate Malo Gusto, 19, joined Chelsea for £26m in January on a seven-and-a-half year contract before being loaned back to Lyon for the rest of the season.
Lukeba has many similarities in terms of age and potential to his right-back and is used to playing in a three-man defence as well as an orthodox back four.
His contract at Lyon, which was extended in January 2022, runs until the summer of 2025.
That means summer transfer is certainly a possibility for a player who has 1873 minutes of first-team action this season across 22 appearances.
By contrast, Gusto has 18 appearances across 1481 minutes for Lyon this term.
In other news, Sources: Man United to listen to listen to offers for in-form star, £22m could seal deal.