Manchester United transfer news: Reds eye £40m-rated Dayot Upamecano after sealing Donny van de Beek transfer

Upamecano is only 21 but is already considered one of the best defenders in the world

Defender Dayot Upamecano is a product of the Red Bull franchise system (Getty)

Manchester United are looking to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who impressed so much during the recent Champions League knockout stages.

Upamecano is only 21 but is already considered one of the best defenders in the world, valued at around £40m. According to ESPN, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the French international as the perfect long-term partner for captain Harry Maguire.

Upamecano signed a new long-term contract only months ago, which reports in Germany claim contains a release clause of €42m, but that can only be triggered at the end of the 2020-21 season and Solskjaer wants his man before the 5 October transfer deadline – and ideally before the start of the season, which begins on 19 September against Crystal Palace.

United have now settled on a deal for midfielder Donny van de Beek, and the 23-year-old will complete a £36m transfer from Ajax later this week.

Meanwhile United are likely to sell several first-team squad members, particularly in the defensive department should Upamecano arrive. Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all expected to leave.