Man Utd and Liverpool to battle for young French star

Manchester United and Liverpool are to go head-to-head in the race to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, reports The Sunday Mirror. 

Upamecano is one of the most sought after centre-backs in Europe after a series of assured displays for the Bundesliga outfit. 

The France international penned a new deal with RB Leipzig last summer, but has a lowly £40m release clause in his contract, which means there is expected to be a mad transfer scramble for his services at the end of the season. 

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are believed to be frontrunners in the quest to sign the 22-year-old, however they aren't the only European powerhouse also tracking the defender. 

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked with a move for Upamecano, while United and Liverpool are set to lock horns in the battle to lure the centre-back to England. 

Upamecano has started 17 of RB Leipzig's 18 league matches this season, but was unable to help his side avoid a 3-2 defeat at Mainz 05 on Saturday.