Liverpool, Man Utd linked defender ‘desperate’ for Premier League move

Dayot Upamecano, Joshua Sargent

In-demand RB Leipzig centre back Dayot Upamecano is keen on a move to the Premier League, according to a German football transfer expert.

Upamecano has caught the eye of clubs around Europe with his performances for Leipzig in recent years.

That includes the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all reportedly interested in the 22-year-old.

All three of those sides are expected to be in the market for defenders in the upcoming January transfer window. And the latest reports could encourage them to pursue a move for Upamecano next month.

According to Jan Aage Fjortoft (via Football London), the France international would prefer a move to England when he does leave the Bundesliga. The report even states he is ‘desperate’ for a Premier League switch.

Injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, plus Joel Matip’s inability to stay consistently fit, means Liverpool could move for a centre half. Upamecano is reportedly on their shortlist, but any chance of a deal could now be over after the Reds drew Leipzig in the Champions League last 16.

Manchester United have also been heavily linked with Upamecano. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had to rely heavily on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this term and could look to bring in some quality competition.

Arsenal, meanwhile, want to bolster their defensive options after their disappointing start to the season.

Summer move more likely

However, any bidders for Upamecano in January could be left disappointed. Fjortoft adds that “the ball will start rolling” next summer in regard to a transfer.

That means that it would likely require a huge bid to convince Leipzig into doing business in January.

They are also in a strong position to decide when he moves on, with Upamecano only signing a new deal earlier this year.

Although, playing the waiting game could be beneficial for interested parties. It is understood Upamecano has a £38.5million release clause in his deal that will become active at the end of the current season.

That offers clubs the chance to land him for a bargain price. There will be plenty of competition though, with Bayern Munich said to be chasing his signature too.

But the player’s preference could hold the key to a Premier League team winning the race to secure him.

READ MORE: Another Bundelsiga centre back linked with Liverpool is said to be close to making a decision on his future.