Man Utd, Barca transfer hopes for French teen dealt serious blow

05 nov 2017

FC Barcelona is clear that in the winter market they want to sign a central defender. Javier Mascherano has not been counted on much by Ernesto Valverde, and Vermaelen, injuries and all, even less. Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti are the only consistent ones, but they, alone, are not enough to face such a loaded calendar going forward for Barcelona.

Recently, they have been intrigued by 19-year-old French defender Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig. Along with the Blaugrana, Manchester United have had eyes on the precocious teenager. However, German media is reporting a serious blow to both teams’ hopes.

Per BILD, the executives at RB Leipzig value the defender at €100 million; an astonishing number for a teenager who hasn’t commanded the same attention as others in that price range. Furthermore, it appears the Frenchman isn’t yet interested in making a switch.

“The interest of the big clubs honors me, it's clear,” said Upamecano. “But at the moment, only Leipzig counts. I have to work hard to reach my goals later.”