Man United open the door for Liverpool to secure this Bundesliga star with £38m release clause

Manchester United open door for Liverpool to sign Dayot Upamecano

According to The Athletic (h/t Mirror), Manchester United have cooled their interest in Dayot Upamecano, leaving the door open for Bayern Munich and Liverpool to sign him.

Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign the RB Leipzig defender. They could face competition from Liverpool, who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman recently.

However, Liverpool will be boosted by the news that Upamecano is no longer at the top of United’s wishlist.

Upamecano’s release clause is set at £38million but Liverpool might have to pay more than that to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield in January.

Liverpool have had a flurry of injuries in recent months. First-choice centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been sidelined with serious injuries.

On top of that, the club’s only remaining senior centre-back, Joel Matip, had to be taken off at half-time against Fulham due to a minor injury.

Upamecano has featured in 10 of Leipzig’s 11 Bundesliga games this season. He has helped them to 3rd position in the table, just a point behind the league leaders.

The Frenchman also played in 5 of his team’s 6 Champions League matches as the German club progressed to the round of 16 at the expense of Manchester United. (Stats courtesy: transfermarkt

Liverpool, like other big Premier League clubs, have a congested fixture list awaiting them. The truncated Premier League season has had an effect on every team, with the Reds suffering more than most.

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In such a situation, a centre-back like Upamecano would add some serious quality and depth to the line-up. Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have impressed with their cameo appearances, but are still inexperienced.

Even if the Reds don’t sign Upamecano, he is scheduled to arrive at Anfield in February. Liverpool face RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 which takes place in February 2021.