Manchester United They now appear to know the level of investment required if they want to make a serious move for Afonso Moreira this summer, with Lyon having already set out a clear valuation for the winger following his breakout campaign in France.
The 21-year-old has become one of the stories of Lyon's season. Signed from Sporting CP at the start of the campaign for just €2m (£1.7m), Afonso Moreira has burst into life under Paulo Fonseca.
He now has eight goals and 11 assists this season, helping Lyon reach the Ligue 1 Champions League for the first time since 2019/20. His form has forced the French club to hold internal talks over a wage increase, despite his contract already running until 2030.
As we recently coveredManchester United is one of the clubs who have the Portuguese winger firmly on their radar. Serie A and Bundesliga sides are also following him closely.
However, an important detail has now been added to the report: Lyon are only prepared to consider a sale starting at €25m (£21.7m).
Lyon know they have a valuable asset
This figure has been reported by the Portuguese newspaper to ball This represents a huge jump on the fee Lyon paid Sporting less than a year ago. It also shows how quickly Afonso Moreira has established himself in France.
The winger arrived with little fanfare. He is now one of Lyon's most productive attacking players and has become increasingly important in manager Paulo Fonseca's system.
Afonso Moreira's profile also explains the Premier League's growing attention. He is aggressive in one-vs-one situations, moves quickly in tight spaces and can operate in a variety of tactical setups.
Fonseca has also used him as a wing back in emergency back-three formations.
Sporting wait in the background
The Portuguese report adds that Sporting are also watching the developments carefully as they have secured 20% of any future capital gains when selling the player.
This means the €25m (£21.7m) transfer would net the Portuguese club around €4.6m (£4m).
This section now looks increasingly valuable given the trajectory of Afonso Moreira. His estimated market value has already reached around €10m (£8.7m), but Lyon clearly believe the real figure is much higher.
Manchester United has Special connection with sportingSo a mutually beneficial deal would not be surprising.
what happens next
Manchester United's interest comes during a period when the club are expected to reshape parts of their attack.
Afonso Moreira certainly fits the profile the club is now looking for. Still, there is little pressure on Lyon to sell, especially if Champions League qualification is secured.
At the moment, the French side has the strongest position in the negotiations. United and other interested clubs at least now know what kind of money is needed to test Lyon's resolve.
