Manchester United's hopes of signing Lyon winger Afonso Moreira may have been given a significant lift, with the French club facing the possibility of being excluded from European competitions next season. Reports indicate Lyon have failed to meet financial conditions set by UEFA, which could force them to sell players and make Moreira more attainable for United.
Moreira, 21, joined Lyon from Sporting CP last summer, where he played under former United manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese winger has impressed in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing eight assists this season, helping Lyon to fourth place in the table.
Fourth position would normally secure Champions League qualification, but The Telegraph reports that UEFA are concerned Lyon have not complied with the terms of a settlement agreement reached last summer. The agreement was part of sanctions for breaking financial stability regulations, which also saw Chelsea and Aston Villa penalised.
Under the settlement, Lyon's owners were required to inject €60 million (£51.9m) into the club and convert it to equity by October. It is understood this condition has not been met, leaving UEFA with the option of excluding Lyon from next season's competitions.
Should expulsion occur, Lyon could be forced to offload players to address the financial impact. This would potentially make Moreira available for transfer, with United able to offer the prospect of Champions League football to the player, strengthening their position in any negotiation.
