Manchester United have sounded out Moussa Dembele as a potential January transfer target - leaving Celtic rubbing their hands at a huge potential cash windfall.

The Red Devils have been monitoring the striker for a number of months and even considered moving for him earlier this summer.

Lyon refused to budge on any transfer interest, insisting the player was not for sale at any price.

Manchester United 'plotting January transfer swoop' for ex-Celtic star Moussa Dembele

Now, though - according to The Times' Duncan Castles - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's club have sounded out the player's representatives to see if he'd be interested in a move.

And it is believed that Dembele would consider leaving France for the English Premier League as soon as January.

Castles told Transfer Window Podcast: "I can tell you there has been contact between Manchester United and individuals close to Moussa Dembele to assess the player’s interest in the move and to work out what the cost would be in terms of salary.

"“Were Manchester United to select Dembele as a target for the January window, he would be receptive to that move. 

Watch: Ex-Celtic star Moussa Dembele scores stunning scorpion kick for Lyon in Ligue 1 clash

"And, I believe, he would take the risk of moving in the January window."

Any move for the 23-year-old would net Celtic a hefty sum based on sell-on clauses they negotiated into his £20m transfer to Ligue 1 last year.

Manchester United would be in need of Dembele's goal scoring prowess with Marcus Rashford misfiring and Anthony Martial still injured.

January might be a good time for the Red Devils to move, with Lyon recently sacking manager Sylvinho.