United linked to Lyon target

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

French champions favourites to land youngster

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.