Transfer Rumors: Man United, Bayern In Tight Race To Sign Prolific Defender

Bayern Munich became the first club to openly express its desire in recruiting Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, but there remains strong interest from clubs in the English Premier League as well.

Despite having a €42 million ($51 million) buyout clause that several teams are willing to meet, Goal reports that Upamecano is not in a hurry to make a decision.

By the looks of it, the sought-after Frenchman will have to revisit his options on the table because aside from Bayern, Manchester United has Upamecano on its radar and is already on the move to acquire his services.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester City are also rumored to extend an offer as two of his alternative landing spots in England.

Bayern is fully aware that these Premier League powerhouses are more than capable to match any financial package the German organization intends to offer Upamecano, but it will all depend on where the player prefers to play next.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s top defenders in recent years and is almost certain to leave Red Bull Leipzig in the next transfer window.

Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is knowledgable of the fact that Upamecano has a full list of suitors across the continent, but the team executive bared that they will bide their time.

“We will, of course, deal with it, not only with [Upamecano], but in principle with all the positions where we want and need to do something,” Rummenigge told German publication Bild, as quoted on Goal.

“It’s too early for something like that. He’s still a Leipzig player at least until the end of the season," he added. "But it’s common knowledge that he has a clause in his contract.”

Manchester United and Chelsea are looking for long-term fixes for their respective defensive lines and have identified Upamecano as the perfect candidate.

The current Premier League leaders are seeking a pitch partner for Harry Maguire, who is yet to justify his £80 million ($109.7 million) price tag. Meanwhile, Chelsea seeks to fill the void of Thiago Silva.