Man Utd scouting Dayot Upamecano along with Arsenal as Solskjaer seeks defender transfer following Sevilla defeat
MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Arsenal in scouting Dayot Upamecano ahead of the start of the new season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co’s 2019-20 finally ended with a frustrating Europa League semi-final loss against Sevilla on Sunday.
And while it’s been all eyes on Jadon Sancho so far this summer, United have reportedly turned their attention to RB Leipzig defender Upamecano.
Solskjaer is desperate to bolster his shaky back-line – despite spending £135million on defenders alone last summer in Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
And The Athletic have claimed United will continue to scout Upamecano in a bid to find Maguire a long-term partner in the heart of defence.
Arsenal have been keen on the French defender, 21, all season and had hoped to make a summer move – with Real Madrid also interested.
However, Upamecano signed a new three-year contract at Leipzig – who were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday – on July 31.
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The Bundesliga giants are fully aware they are set to lose their star defender in the coming months.
But they wanted to ensure Upamecano did not go cheaply.
By tying the centre-back down to a new deal, it ensured any potential suitors – including United – would be forced to pay more to land him.
Upamecano could cost well in excess of £50m – but that won’t put United off.
Or they could wait until next season when a £40m release clause becomes active.
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The Red Devils had looked set to spend £108m on Sancho – with around £60m-£70m of that up front.
However, reports claim Solskjaer is now looking at cheaper alternatives, such as Bournemouth’s £40m-rated star David Brooks.
That would free up more funds to invest in other areas of the squad, such as in midfield – with Jack Grealish a top target – and in defence, with Upamecano now on the list.