Man Utd criticised over failure to sign defender by Laurens
Manchester United are planning to raid RB Leipzig for their France international defender Dayot Upamecano at the end of this season, according to reports. Upamecano was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer but a deal failed to materialise. The 22-year-old was also a target of Arsenal before he signed a new three-year contract in July.
Upamecano had a release clause of £45million in his previous contract but that was scrapped upon him signing the extension.
The central defender played a pivotal role in Leipzig's run to the Champions League semi-final last season.
He only made his France debut in September and scored on his second appearance for Les Bleus in the 4-2 win over Croatia.
United have a host of centre-backs in their first-team squad but it appears manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not satisfied with the options he has available.
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Manchester United news: Man Utd didn't sign a centre-back in the summer window (Image: EXPRESS)
The report says the release clause in Upamecano's new contract, which becomes active next summer, could be as little as £38m.
United are set to welcome Upamecano and Leipzig to Old Trafford for Wednesday's Champions League clash.
Speaking on Tuesday, Solskjaer played down rumours linking United with the defender.
“There are always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United,” Solskjaer said.
“I’ve always tried to respect that they are players for other teams and don’t want to comment on every player that we are linked to but since he’s playing against us tomorrow I know he’s a very good player so we can see him close up.”
United won their opening group game at PSG last week thanks to a late goal from Marcus Rashford.
Meanwhile, Leipzig beat Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Summer signings Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek are in line to make their full European debuts for United, with Alex Telles also vying for a starting spot after starring against PSG.
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