Transfer Centre

Manchester United missed out on Dayot Upamecano in January

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 09 February 2019

Agent Thierry Martinez reveals that RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano may have become a Manchester United player last month had they not moved the goalposts during talks.

The agent of Dayot Upamecano has claimed that Manchester United tried to sign the RB Leipzig centre-back in January but missed out after changing the terms of their agreement.

Upamecano is one of a number of defenders to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past six months, thanks to his composed displays at the back for Leipzig.

Despite being aged just 20, the France Under-21s international has already featured 54 times in the Bundesliga and is knocking on the door for inclusion in Les Bleus' senior fold.

It has now emerged that the youngster could have been on his way to Old Trafford last month had United not moved the goalposts during negotiations.

"An intermediary met with us, but between the project she presented us and what was actually going to happen," agent Thierry Martinez told So Foot.

"A flat was promised, but that changed to a host family with only six return trips for his parents. When you uproot a player at such a young age, that isn't enough. I wanted Dayot to have a stable emotional balance off the pitch."

United have been tipped to make a fresh approach for Upamecano ahead of next season, while Bayern Munich have also been touted as a possible destination.