Manchester United are shifting their focus to RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano after apparently securing a move for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, ESPN UK's Mark Ogden reports.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to recruit an upgrade on Victor Lindelof to pair with Harry Maguire, and the Norwegian tactician has targeted Upamecano as his No. 1 choice.
Upamecano penned a contract extension with Leipzig at the end of July that ties the robust ball-stopper to the Bundesliga side until 2023. Reports in Germany suggest Upamecano's new terms include a €42-million buyout clause, which can be triggered at the completion of the 2020-21 campaign, Ogden notes.
Equally adept at passing and tackling, Upamecano is a versatile defender who shone this year as Leipzig progressed to the semifinals of the Champions League during their first campaign in continental competition.
Upamecano has been identified as one of Europe's best young central defenders. The 21-year-old received a maiden call up to the France senior team for a pair of upcoming Nations League ties.
Dutch international Van de Beek will reportedly seal a £40-million move to Old Trafford this week, marking United's first significant signing of the summer transfer window.
