Man Utd saw 2015 deal for top defender collapse over six-figure squabble

Dayot Upamecano RB Leipzig

Manchester United could have signed now-RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano for £700,000 in 2015 but refused to meet his asking price, according to a report.

Upamecano has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders since his 2017 move to Germany.

Indeed, pundits such as Jamie Carragher have urged Liverpool to sign the 21-year-old amid their defensive gaps.

France international Upamecano has already hit the ground running this season with one goal in five Bundesliga appearances.

However, according to The Sun on Sunday, his career could have taken a different path five years ago.

The newspaper says the then-16-year-old had travelled to Old Trafford in the hope of sealing a ‘dream’ move.

United showed serious interest and received word that Upamecano’s former club Valenciennes wanted £700,000 for his services.

However Red Devils chiefs would only offer a maximum of £500,000, meaning the deal caved in.

Indeed, United had all but convinced Upamecano, as outlined by one source who spoke to The Sun on Sunday.

Dayot Upamecano

“Dayot wanted to join United and the fee really was nothing,” the source said.

“At first he got the red-carpet treatment but then they would not go that bit further with their offer and he was gone.”

United felt the fee was ‘too much’, despite Umpamecano already developing in France’s youth system.

Instead, RB Salzburg agreed to pay the £700,000 four weeks later and even promised extras.

From there, the centre-back took the well-trodden path from Salzburg to Leipzig and could now be a target for top European clubs.

Upamecano likely to meet United

Dayot Upamecano

Upamecano has only missed 19 minutes of Bundesliga action this season and has also played in the club’s Champions League tie.

Indeed, the defender could come up against United when the sides meet on Wednesday.

Both sides won their opening group stage games, United beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1. Leipzig, meanwhile, got past Istanbul Basaksehir with a 2-0 win.

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