Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are reportedly looking to make a January bid for RB Leipzig young defender Dayot Upamecano, according to latest reports. The Express reports that United manager Jose Mourinho is looking to make a winter move for the central defender.
The 19-year-old has impressed for Leipzig since joining from their sister club RB Salzburg in January. Thanks to his strong displays, Leipzig started this season in the same vein in which they ended the previous one. They currently sit 4 points behind the leaders Bayern Munich.
Upamecano is an enormous presence in the back four for the Bundesliga side and is highly regarded for his abilities. That attracted interest from a lot of European clubs with reports suggesting that clubs from England and Italy are interested.
To be specific, Liverpool were linked with the defender as Jurgen Klopp continues his eternal search to improve his defence. United are thought to have been closely tracking the youngster for the past two seasons.
From Italy, AC Milan are interested in bringing him to Serie A, as they continue to devise new ways of spending the Chinese investment. However, it is reported that Mourinho is ready to trump the competition and make a bid in January to bring him to Old Trafford.
Upamecano cost Leipzig just £8.8m in January when he signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Bundesliga side. Considering his value to the club and the length of his contract, it is believed that Leipzig will be looking only at astronomical bids.
The youngster, who has represented France from Under-16 level to the Under-19s is considered as one of the best youngsters in his role.
There were reports from Germany earlier in the month that suggested that the club are considering offering Upamecano a new deal with a release clause of £88m.
These numbers shouldn’t scare United but for a youngster who is unproven at the highest level, that is a huge sum. The transfer market is skewed, and it is difficult to find the right price. So Mourinho may not be averse to splashing the cash.
But, is he worth all those big bucks? Should we wait until he performs a little more consistently? Really tough questions for the United chiefs and I am happy to be on the outside, suggesting that we should go for the French youngster!
