Man City and Man United ready to battle for £85m star branded 'superstar in the making'

Both Manchester City and Manchester United are looking at strengthening their attacking line this summer, and the rivals have their eyes on the same target as they approach the end of this turbulent season.

Paris Saint-Germain’s rapidly rising young star Désiré Doué is on the radar of the Manchester clubs, as well as other Premier League sides. According to Fichajes, City have shifted their attention onto the 19-year-old winger and have ‘already begun making moves’ in attempt to bring him to the Etihad once the transfer window opens.

Man City and Man United fighting over transfer target

Pep Guardiola reportedly sees Doué as a ‘real option’ to bolster his attacking line this summer, as City look to bounce back from an underwhelming season by their standards. Doué is a left-winger by trade but can operate on the right-hand side and in more central positions when required as well. This season, the rising French star has notched 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for PSG, turning a lot of heads in his direction.

Those at City believe Doué would ‘fit perfectly’ into Guardiola’s system but United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the picture, keeping tabs on the 19-year-old. However, as he only signed for PSG last summer, the French powerhouses are under no pressure to sell up. The young winger is viewed as a ‘key player’ for the future in Paris and the club have already slapped a hefty €100 million (£85m) asking price on Doué.

United and City target branded ‘superstar in the making’

Doué signed for PSG from boyhood club Rennes last summer. His move cost the Parisians €50 million (£42.6m) and Doué turned down a move to Bayern Munich in the process. While the French side are not interested in selling up right now, they would be on track for more than double their money in profit if they did opt to cash in ahead of the 2025/26 season/

French football expert Julien Laurens discussed the teenager’s switch to PSG, which was his preferred destination from Rennes.

“The key was that Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos were both convinced they were getting a superstar in the making,” Laurens told BBC Sport. Doué is so talented, strong mentally and physically. At PSG, they say he's got rugby players' legs because the bottom half of his body is so strong. They knew in Paris it would take time but they were ready. Luis Enrique was so happy to sign him. He was the player he wanted. They were aware he may need half a season, a season, but were happy to wait if needed.”

Doué is under contract with PSG until 2029, leaving the ball in his club’s court ahead of what promises to be an entertaining summer transfer window. Both City and United are looking to improve their forward lines this summer following frustrating seasons.

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