Man United Battle With Liverpool To Sign Upamecano

LONDON: Manchester United are set to overtake Liverpool by signing for central defender Dayot Upamecano for 55 million pounds.

The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is targeting the 22-year-old RB Leipzig star to strengthen his defensive fortifications since the absence of Virgil van Dijk.

However, with Klopp insisting he will not enter the market this month, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could add to the German operator’s problem by sneaking in to sign the player.

Upamenco’s release clause worth 38 million pounds was only activated in the summer.

If United fail to get it, they can turn their attention to Real Madrid center-back Raphael Varane in the summer.

Reports in Spain claim the World Cup winner wants to leave the Bernabeu, after winning 17 trophies since joining the club in 2011.

However, United have been monitoring Upamecano for more than a year and the deal was almost agreed last summer.

They however withdrew after the player’s father began to make additional requests – opening the door for Liverpool to join the race for it.