Manchester United have 'made contact' with Lyon as they step up their pursuit of striker Moussa Dembele.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to shake up his misfiring strike force this summer and the 22-year-old French striker is one name being considered.

Dembele only moved from Celtic to Lyon last summer but has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 18 times for the French club in all competitions.

Manchester United have 'made contact' with Lyon over their striker Moussa Dembele

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning a major squad overhaul this summer, including in attack

According to French newspaper L'Equipe, United have made clear their interest in Dembele to Lyon, who is valued by the Ligue 1 club at £43million.

But United could face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, who may be able to offer Dembele Champions League football next season.

However, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, attacking reinforcements are not a priority at the Emirates Stadium.

Lyon paid Celtic £20m for Dembele and so could potentially at least double their money within 12 months of his arrival if they decide to sell.

He is under contract for another four years but Solskjaer has reportedly started the process of background checks ahead of a potential approach.

Dembele, 22, has enjoyed a prolific first season at Lyon having joined from Celtic last summer

Dembele celebrates scoring for Lyon in their recent Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux

Solskjaer is keen to build a strong team ethic at Old Trafford following several unsuccessful seasons and wants to know whether Dembele has the right character and temperament.

United are set for a squad overhaul in the summer and that could see the departure of frontmen Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku.

Belgian forward Lukaku has spoken in recent weeks of his desire to play in Italy having been left out of the United team more frequently under Solskjaer than his predecessor Jose Mourinho.

And French forward Martial has irked Solskjaer with his attitude in recent weeks having signed a new long-term deal with the club.

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku could leave Old Trafford having fallen out of favour this season