Moussa Dembele to Manchester United: United 'monitoring' Fulham striker ahead of January transfer

The 19-year-old has been in fine form for Fulham this season

Moussa Dembele scores for Fulham against Blackburn (Getty Images)

Manchester United are monitoring Fulham striker Moussa Dembele ahead of a January transfer, it has been reported.

Sky Sports have reported that United are interested in the Frenchman, who has scored eight goals in all competitions for the Championship club this season.

Dembele has represented France at five youth levels, but is yet to make a senior appearance for the national team.

The 19-year-old joined the west London side from Paris-Saint Germain in 2012, and has since established himself a key member of Fulham's starting XI.

"When Moussa was 16 there was no doubt he possessed all the raw ingredients you look for in a striker," Fulham academy director Huw Jennings told the BBC. "What stood out for me was not only what you could see on the pitch, but a calmness and assuredness off the pitch.

A new striker is at the top of Louis van Gaal's priorities, with just Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial the only recognised forwards in the squad.

United, who are one point off the top of the league, take on West Ham on Saturday.