Manchester United could postpone a bid for Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano after members of the club’s board raised concerns over a move for the Frenchman this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to sign a fast centre-back partner for Harry Maguire, which would afford United to play a higher line next season and therefore put more pressure on opponents through a high press.
Upamecano, 21, is considered one of the finest prospects in world football and his eye-catching display in the Germans’ Champions League quarter-final win against Atletico Madrid in August caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
In truth though, Upamecano has been on the radar of Europe’s elite for far longer than that and Solskjaer has suggested the Frenchman as the club’s next signing following the £40m acquisition of Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
However, according to the Telegraph, there is debate within Old Trafford whether the club should press ahead in a move for the Frenchman.
Leipzig value the defender at around £60m but a clause in Upamecano’s contract means he can leave the club for around £40m next summer, meaning a significant reduction in these financially-challenging times.
But some members of the board have also raised doubts over Upamecano’s readiness for a move to the club.
Though his ability is not in question, Upamecano is just 21 and some feel the Frenchman would benefit from at least another year in the Bundesliga before making a move.
Solskjaer must therefore convince his board not to postpone a move for another 12 months, when the race for the Frenchman’s signature will surely be hotter than it is now.
United spent £30m on both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly and, while neither have been disasters, neither are considered top level centre-backs.
The board are therefore reluctant to shell out even more in a challenging climate for a centre-back that may take another three to four years until he’s the real deal.
Solskjaer is having similar problems with his board over a move for Jadon Sancho.
The club are as one in their determination to sign the 20-year-old but not for Dortmund’s £108m asking price.
Instead, United are prepared to bide their time over the transfer window and test Dortmund’s resolve late on with a lower bid.
MORE: Why Thiago Silva turned down ‘a lot of offers’ to complete Chelsea transfer
0 Commentaires