United linked to Lyon target

French champions favourites to land youngster

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 18th August 2008

United linked to Lyon target

Aulas: Kolodzieczak interest

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Manchester United are reportedly ready to rival Lyon for French starlet Thimothee Kolodzieczak.

The 16-year-old is currently at Lens, but he looks set to depart the Northern French side with a big battle now on to land him.

The left-back has been offered a five-year contract to remain at the Felix Bollaert, but it seems he could be prised away before making his first-team debut.

Lens are asking €3million for the player, who is already part of the French Under-18 squad.

However, Lyon are only offering €1million and the two clubs are continuing to talk, although the French champions say they will not pay over the odds.

"Regarding a possible newcomer on the left to support Fabio Grosso, we are looking at the youngster at Lens, but Lens are being too greedy," Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told the club's official website.

"If their position is not changed within 48 hours, then Claude Puel [coach] will guide us towards another player of a very high level."

Reports in France suggest that United are also interested in Kolodzieczak and could put together a package to take him across the Channel.