Man Utd to make summer defender move, as previous exit fee wiped out

Dayot Upamecano RB Leipzig

Manchester United will reportedly make a move for Dayot Upamecano in next summer’s transfer window by activating the RB Leipzig defender’s new release clause.

Upamecano fielded interest from across Europe in the recent market, instead opting to sign a new contract.

However, Leipzig chiefs did admit that, despite extending his stay by three years, the 22-year-old could soon find pastures new.

Initial reports suggest that Liverpool have made the Frenchman their chief January target. The Reds are looking to ease defensive concerns added to by Fabinho’s injury.

According to The Times, though, United plan to make their move next summer.

The newspaper says that Upamecano’s previous release clause stood at £45million before he penned fresh terms. As such, while United wanted to sign him this summer, they walked away.

However, the new contract has pulled the exit fee down to around £38million, a price United are now willing to match.

What’s more, the new price will activate in next summer’s transfer window. As such, Liverpool would still have to pay a premium fee if they are to make a move in January.

Dayot Upamecano

The report comes at an intriguing time for United, who play Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Indeed, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced questions about the player in his pre-match press conference.

Asked if Upamecano was a player he was keen to sign, 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.”

Solskjaer sets Champions League points target

 

 

Meanwhile, Solskjaer also declared in his press conference that 10 points would be enough to see his side progress from their group.

The Red Devils made an impressive start last time out, earning three points against Paris Saint-Germain.

And after Leipzig, United travel to Turkey to face Istanbul Basaksehir.

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