Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he is looking forward to watching Dayot Upamecano at close quarters on Wednesday as Man Utd prepare to face Red Bull Leipzig.
The centre-back, who turned 22 on Tuesday, is set to lineup for the Bundesliga outfit as they travel to Old Trafford for their second Champions League group H fixture.
United were reportedly weighing up a move for Upamecano before he extended his Leipzig contract in the summer, but the Frenchman continues to be linked with a transfer.
When asked about the prospect of Upamecano coming up against his side, Solskjaer told a press conference (as per Goal ): “There’s always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I’ve always tried to respect [that] they are players for other teams and don’t want to comment on every player we are linked to.
“But since he’s playing against us tomorrow, I know he’s a very good player and we can see him close up tomorrow.”
Upamecano has admitted previously he is still open to a switch elsewhere following a summer where several other big clubs expressed an interest, notably Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
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His decision to pen a new deal came after Leipzig issued him with an ultimatum to move on before this season started or commit his future to the club, as they could not risk losing him for nothing.
That has boosted Leipzig’s negotiating position although Upamecano does have a release clause in his new deal which would allow him to move on next summer if activated by a prospective buyer.
A decent performance under Solskjaer’s watchful gaze could tempt United into lodging a bid when the season concludes, but Upamecano is not the only player on their radar.
Which defender would you like to see United sign? Have your say below.
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
According to 90min (via TeamTalk ), the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Cagliari’s Sebastian Walukiewicz, amid competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Both clubs have sent scouts to watch the Polish centre-back, 20, in action, while Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio are all in the hunt for his signature.
Like Upamecano though, Walukiewicz is tied down to his current club until 2023 and Cagliari are not looking to sell him on the cheap.
