Bayern chief spills Liverpool, Chelsea interest in top defensive target

Dayot Upamecano TEAMtalk

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed they are battling Liverpool and Chelsea for the signing of Dayot Upamecano.

Upamecano is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. He has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s best over the past few seasons with RB Leipzig.

He signed a new contract with his current club before the start of this season. However, it seems likely he will have moved on by the end of it.

The France international has several suitors among the European elite. For example, German champions Bayern want to keep him in the Bundesliga and offer him the next step.

With David Alaba set to leave Bayern, they are looking for a replacement at the back. Upamecano seems a natural choice.

However, Upamecano is also wanted in the Premier League. Manchester United and Liverpool are among the sides to have been linked.

Now, Rummenigge has confirmed his confidence that the player will choose Bayern. However, the chairman admitted that he knows of competition from the Premier League.

He told Sky Germany: “In addition to Bayern Munich, there are at least two quite attractive clubs interested. The fact is that the player is interesting, and the fact is that we will almost certainly lose David Alaba in that position.

“I can’t say if there will be other departures in that position.”

Webb: Upamecano ideal for Liverpool or Man Utd

Webb: Upamecano ideal for Liverpool or Man Utd

Former head of football operations at Huddersfield Town David Webb believes RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano would be ideal to solve Manchester United or Liverpool’s defensive issues.

Rummenigge believes Bayern’s positive relationship with Leipzig and their CEO Oliver Mintzlaff could help proceedings.

“You have to let things grow in peace. We have a good relationship with Mr Struth (Upamecano’s agent). The player will know what he wants at some point.

“We have a good relationship with RB Leipzig as well. I have had a conversation with Oliver Mintzlaff. When things become concrete, we’ll talk again.

“The fact that Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in him proves that he has very good qualities. He can replace David Alaba.”

Agent alerts suitors

Dayot Upamecano

Agent Volker Struth has also been speaking about his client’s future, and confirmed the presence of a release clause in his contract.

Struth will no doubt have put several suitors on alert and confirmed there were two clubs interested in the Premier League – which Rummenigge seems to have identified for him.

Struth told Sport1: “The release clause was agreed because the player decided to want to take the next step at some point. It is very likely in the summer.

“Nothing final has been decided yet. The tendency for him to leave the club in the summer is high.

“The release clause is €42.5 million (£37.4million). That is an insane sum in coronavirus times. In summer 2019 it was something else.

“The proportions of the transfer fees have changed. I believe that some clubs have to say goodbye to the market values when they sell players.”

READ MORE: Bayern hold ‘professional’ Upamecano talks