MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly refusing to give up on signing Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and will try and loan him in January.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the French winger for months.

And having failed to sign him in the summer, United will attempt to bring him in on an initial loan deal when the next transfer window opens, according to Spanish outlet Sport .

The Reds were very close to sealing a permanent deal after the 2019-20 season finished.

But the 23-year-old had a last minute change of heart and stayed at the Nou Camp under new boss Ronald Koeman.

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And the decision appears to have paid off so far having bagged three goals and an assist from nine appearances in all competitions this season.

Dembele's contract expires in 2022.

And the Catalans' asking price remains around £67million.

As a result, United are said to be planning a loan move in the first instance before considering a permanent transfer if the France international performs well.

However, Spanish reports suggest such a move is unlikely given his importance to Koeman's team.

Barca recently had to shell out another £4.4m to Borussia Dortmund after Dembele played 50 games.

It also emerged Barca chose to sign Dembele instead of Paris Saint Germain star Kylian Mbappe .

And the Catalans also included Dembele in a recent £98m plus players bid for Neymar .