Just weeks after Paul Scholes advised his former club to bring in a “dominant centre-half” to play alongside Harry Maguire, Manchester United are reportedly targeting a move for Dayot Upamecano.

The 21-year-old RB Leipzig defender, who has received huge plaudits for his performances in the Champions League and Bundesliga this year, is being earmarked to bolster United’s defensive options, according to ESPN.

In fact, the report claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now ‘prioritising’ the addition of a top-quality centre-half to play alongside club captain Harry Maguire, and the talented Frenchman meets that criteria.

Upamecano reportedly has a €42 million release clause which can be triggered at the end of the 2020/21 season, but there is a belief that a deal could be struck with Leipzig before the October 5th transfer deadline. 

Interest in the defender’s services will certainly come as welcome news to some fans who felt the club needed to strengthen at the back. 

Former midfielder Paul Scholes identified the issue after United’s Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla, where Victor Lindelof switched off in the second half to concede Luuk de Jong’s 78th minute winner.

“I think they could do with a centre half, I’ve said that all along,” Scholes said while on punditry for BT Sport.

“I’m not sure Lindelof going to be good enough as a partner for Maguire. I think they need a dominant defender next to him.

“Defensively, the full backs are OK. On the ball you’d have to question but defensively they’re OK.

“I think the defensive record over the last 15, 20 games has been very good, probably one of the best in the league so you have to take that into respect as well.

“But I still think a dominant centre-half next to Maguire, just to cover for the slight weaknesses he has.”

The news comes after it emerged that Donny van de Beek is set to join United in a £40 million deal, which could be finalised in the coming days as he prepares to undergo a medical.

source:- sportbible