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Report: Lyon nearing €17M capture of Memphis Depay

Carl Recine / Reuters

Memphis Depay is nearing the end of his Manchester United nightmare by agreeing to a switch to Olympique Lyonnais.

The Ligue 1 outfit is closing in on a deal worth around €17 million (£14.75 million), reports the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, despite United wanting to recoup a sum nearer to the €34 million it paid PSV Eindhoven for his services in May 2015.

While the intricacies of the paperwork are still being pawed over by the two parties and Depay's representatives, United is unlikely to hold onto the bit-part winger this January and instead contrive to cut its losses.

Depay has made just four Premier League substitute appearances this term, and is apparently keen on a transfer to Lyon, with a legion of other clubs only willing to take him on an initial loan deal.

Merseyside foes Liverpool and Everton were among the outfits named in being interested in Depay, but temporary terms were not preferable, and, given the chance, United wouldn't sell to a Premier League rival.

Roma, AC Milan, and surprise Ligue 1 leader Nice were also in the frame for his signature.

The Dutchman was brought to the club by Louis van Gaal, the polarising figure who handed Depay his Netherlands debut, but struggled to build on a promising start.

Depay fell out of favour under Van Gaal, and was then further cast off from senior matters by Jose Mourinho, who assumed control in the summer.

In one-and-a-half seasons, Depay has scored twice and made just 16 Premier League starts.

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