Premier League side Sunderland have reinterated their intent on keeping Manchester United star Adnan Januzaj despite the interests in the player.
The Sunderland forward has been attracting strong interest from French giant Lyon even as the player was posted to Sunderland under strict conditions.
Januzaj is on a season-long loan to the Stadium of Light. So far, he has netted just one after 15 games but Lyon remain desperate for his signature. The youngster was a breakout star during David Moyes’ side at Old Trafford three years ago but he has just started showing what a great addition he could be with his creative flair.
Top news outlet L’Equipe report that the French side want the Belgium international this January either on a temporary or permanent deal.
The report claim that Lyon manager Gerard Houlier has even reached out to former United boss Louis van Gaal but the Dutchman is unlikely to celebrate a player who rarely played under him as he was shipped out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Januzaj is contractually bound o the club until the summer of next year so any move for him is likely to be futile but Lyon are keen on making a serious attempt, according to the report. Even his employers United cannot recall the player until the season-long loan ends or even sell or loan him to another player. For now, Sunderland owns the player until the player fulfils his obligations at the end of the season.
With the way the player has started Sunderland might eventually make the deal a permanent one at the end of the season, particularly with Old Trafford now more competitive for the player to get regular action that he would seek if he is to return.