Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a deal to sign Dayot Upamecano – after winning the race to land Donny van de Beek.
Ajax midfielder Van de Beek, 23, is set to sign a five-year deal with an option for an extra year in the coming days after the Red Devils won the £40million race for his signature.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played a crucial role in convincing the Dutchman to join the Red Devils with his determination to sign him.
According to ESPN, Solskjaer will now turn his attentions to RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano and push to get a deal done imminently.
With United’s move for Jadon Sancho put on hold due to Borussia Dortmund’s extortionate demands, Solskjaer is now prioritising the addition of a new partner for Harry Maguire.
He views Upamecano, 21, as the ideal target after his impressive campaign and superb performances in their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
Upamecano has long been linked with Arsenal and recently penned a new deal with the Bundesliga club with his previous contract expiring in June 2021.
His old deal included a €60m release clause, but reports in Germany claim the new deal includes a release clause for just €42m.
However, that can only be triggered at the end of next season, and Solskjaer is keen to get a deal done this summer.
They believe a deal can be done before October 5 when the transfer window shuts with Ed Woodward and chief negotiator Matt Judge now expected to begin talks.
Victor Lindelof has formed a strong partnership with Maguire whilst Axel Tuanzebe has been rated highly by Solskjaer.
But Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly have had injury problems whilst Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all surplus to requirements.
Upamecano would be expected to be a dominant centre-half alongside Maguire – something club legend Paul Scholes warned Solskjaer he needs after their recent Europa League exit against Sevilla.
Mirror
