Man Utd bid for £53.8m Uruguay star as Dayot Upamecano stance alters

Jose Gimenez

Manchester United’s desire to strengthen their defence has seen them linked with two dependable Spain-based defenders – with Jose Gimenez now top of their wish-list.

United’s summer business finally got underway last week when an initial €39m deal for Donny van de Beek was struck.

The Red Devils have been advised that they need at least two more signings this summer if they are to close the gap on Liverpool. As such, there is a breakthrough, of sorts, in negotiations for Jadon Sancho.

As well as adding Sancho to his attack, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also in the market for a new centre-half. Question marks remain over Victor Lindelof and his error in the Europa League semi-final led to a rollocking from Bruno Fernandes.

As a result, United have been linked with a host of big names to partner Harry Maguire.

The main contender is believed to be RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. A report over the weekend listed three reasons why he’s prefered at United to Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, any deal for Upamecano would need approval from the United board. And now it seems United have changed their mind over signing him this summer.

Furthermore, as per reports in Spain, United have two other names in mind to fill the defensive void this season.

 

Don Balon claim United are one of three clubs to make a €60m (£53.8m) approach for Jose Gimenez.

The Atletico Madrid defender is regarded as one of LaLiga’s best defenders and prising him away from Atletico will not be easy. However, Atleti do need to sell before they can buy – and United sense an opening.

As per the report, Atleti have also received offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea for the Uruguayan star.

But all three offers are likely to be rejected with Atletico happy to reject any approach that falls short of his €120m exit clause.

 

 

United tipped to move for Diego Carlos

United are also being linked with a fresh approach for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.

Diego Carlos TEAMtalk

The Brazilian defender only moved to Andaluscia last summer but impressed as his side won the Europa League.

That has led to strong speculation linking Diego Carlos with a move to Liverpool as Dejan Lovren’s replacement.

Again via Don Balon, they claim United are the latest club considering a move for the player this summer.

The 27-year-old cost £13.5million and has a release clause of €75million (£67.6million) in his deal which expires in 2024.

Sevilla are refusing to lower that valuation so United would have to spend big were they to move for the 27-year-old defender.