Liverpool and Chelsea are fighting it out with last year's Champions League winners Bayern Munich for the signature of Dayot Upamecano.
That is according to the chief executive officer of Bayern Munich Karl-Heinz Rummenigge who admits that the RB Leipzig centre-back has been earmarked by the Bundesliga champions as their prime target in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old France international looks set to leave his current club with several clubs ready to trigger the €42.5 million release clause in his contract, including Bayern who need to replace David Alaba who becomes a free agent in the summer.
"In addition to Bayern Munich, there are at least two quite attractive clubs interested," said Rummenigge on Monday.
"The fact is that the player is interesting, and the fact is that we will almost certainly lose David Alaba at his position. I can't say if there will be other departures at the position."
Bayern have already notified Leipzig of their interest and made a request to be kept informed of any other interested clubs.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamdizic has confirmed that he met Upamecano's agent Volker Struth and Rummenigge is hoping that these initial positive moves will be of benefit to his club when the player has to make his decision.
"You have to let things grow in peace. We have a good relationship with Mr. Struth," he said.
"The player will know what he wants at some point. We have a good relationship with RB Leipzig as well. I have had a conversation with Oliver Mintzlaff.
"When things become concrete, we'll talk again.
"The fact that Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in him proves that he has very good qualities. He can replace David Alaba."
OTB AM | David Meyler joined the lads to reflect on the weekend's Premier League action
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
