Man Utd 'make RB Leipzig's Konate their No 1 summer target in defence'

Manchester United ‘make RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate their No 1 summer target in defence’ as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prioritises signing a centre-back – but they’ll face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for him

  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperately wants to sign a centre-back in the summer
  • RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano had been a key target due to his £38m clause 
  • However, United have turned to their focus to his team-mate Ibrahima Konate
  • The 21-year-old is now their No 1 target but Liverpool and Chelsea are keen too

Manchester United have reportedly identified RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate as their main centre-back target for the summer after ditching plans to go for Dayot Upamecano.

United had previously viewed Konate’s centre-back partner Upamecano as the best fit but have now turned their attentions to the 21-year-old, who has performed equally as well in Germany. 

Upamecano, who is available this summer for just £38million due to a clause in his contract, had been heavily linked with United but Bayern Munich are thought to be leading the chase for his signature while Liverpool and Chelsea also have hopes of signing him.

Manchester United have set their sights on signing RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate

United had been keen on Dayot Upamecano (pictured) but now want to sign his team-mate 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made bolstering his defence a priority this summer in a bid to take his side to the next level, and according to The Independent will instead make a move for Konate at the end of the season.

The young French defender has been beset with injuries this term, but has impressed in the 12 appearances he’s managed so far.

Solskjaer would’ve had an up-close look at Konate earlier on this season as he played the full 90 minutes in both of Leipzig’s Champions League group matches against United. 

Konate, who broke into Leipzig’s first team as a teenager back in the 2018-19 season, is just the latest example of the club’s exceptional recruitment, having poached him from Sochaux after he had played just 12 senior games.

The centre-back has already won 11 caps for France and won’t be short of potential suitors in the summer as he is generating a lot of interest from England with Liverpool and Chelsea seriously looking at him as well.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has prioritised signing a centre-back in the summer window

21-year-old Konate played the full 90 minutes twice against United in Europe earlier this term




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