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      Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by former RB Leipzig coach Rangnick

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      DAYOT UPAMECANO has been tipped to succeed at Bayern Munich by his former RB Leipzig coach.
      The French defender, 22, remains one of the most sought-after defenders in European football after his stellar rise with Leipzig.

      Dayot Upamecano has been backed to shine for Bayern Munich in the futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But despite interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal and injury-ravaged Liverpool – who look set to try and land a centre-back in January – Ralf Rangnick expects his ex-player to head to the Bundesliga champions.
      David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract at the end of the season and therefore Upamecano could be the suitable replacement – despite signing a new contract at RB this summer.
      Asked whether he would excel at the Allianz Arena, Rangnick told Sport1: “Why not? Bayern know this player well, you can assume that.
      “Physically, Bayern saw that in direct duels no one will run away from him.

      “He might still have one or two risky balls too many in a game, but he will certainly learn in the next few years.
      “I got to know Upa and his family over many years. They not only make decisions that sound good to them in terms of his image, but they also make decisions based on the feeling of what is best for the player himself.”
      And it is not just a former RB Leipzig boss expecting Upamecano to go the very top – but the current one too.
      Julian Nagelsmann backed his man after a high-profile error in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points

      He said: “Upamecano is on his way to world class but he has to stop these things, obviously. He knows it himself, he is very critical of himself.
      “It’s a learning curve, he only has good intentions and wants to create attacks for us. He simply needs to recognise the right moment to switch from defence to attack.
      “Recognising this situation is a learning curve which he will succeed in, simply because he is that talented.”
      Rangnick also lauded Upamecano’s fellow young French defender Ibrahima Konate as well as promising Bayern Munich 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, who they signed from PSG in the summer.
      Leipzig man Konate has recently been linked with Arsenal among other English clubs.

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      Manchester United were thought to be keen but may miss out to the Bundesliga championsCredit: EPA

      Watch as France U21 defender Dayot Upamecano blows away Bundesliga opponents for RB Leipzig More

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      Man Utd joined by Liverpool in Dayot Upamecano transfer race as Klopp ‘makes Leipzig star No1 target after Gomez injury’

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      LIVERPOOL are joining Manchester United in the race for Dayot Upamecano after Jurgen Klopp reportedly identified the RB Leipzig star as his number one target.
      A serious injury to Joe Gomez while on England duty has sparked a crisis in the Reds defence, which the Premier League holders are keen to solve in January.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Dayot Upamecano has been linked with many clubs in Europe following his impressive form marshalling Leipzig’s defenceCredit: Reuters
      But they will face intense competition with rivals United to bring in Upamecano, one of the highest-rated centre-backs in Europe, who has long been monitored by the Manchester side.
      They remained interested even after the defender endured a difficult night during United’s 5-0 win against Leipzig in the Champions League.
      The Athletic report that the 22-year-old is topping Klopp’s wish list after Gomez’s injury left him sidelined alongside Virgil Van Dijk.

      Liverpool reportedly planned to bring Upamecano in next summer but the scale of their problems means the move may now be accelerated.
      The Frenchman is believed to have a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave for £38million.
      His current deal runs until 2023.
      It will be the second time in recent history that Liverpool will be diving in for a Leipzig star, following their long-running pursuit of Naby Keita.

      They had to pay a £48m release clause to land the midfielder back in 2017, with an agreement in place meaning he stayed at the German club for another year.
      If they cannot secure Upamecano, the Merseyside club will also be looking at Brighton’s Ben White, Ozan Kabak from Schalke or Torino’s Gleison Bremer.

      Liverpool’s injury woes worsened this week after Gomez suffered a strain in England trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Virgil Van Dijk had to limp out the Merseyside derby after a flying tackle by Jordan PickfordCredit: AFP or licensors
      Liverpool face competition not just from Man United but also from Bayern Munich if they are to bring in their top target.
      The Champions League holders are believed to be looking at a long-term replacement for Jerome Boateng.

      Following a number of unfortunate incidents, Liverpool look set to restart their Premier League campaign at home against pace setters Leicester with a makeshift defence.
      Along with Gomez’s absence, Van Dijk has been ruled out for some time after a reckless tackle by Jordan Pickford in last month’s Merseyside derby.
      Fabinho is still recovering from his hamstring problems while Joel Matip’s sketchy fitness record will be a cause for concern.

      DREAM TEAM SELECTOR

      WIN your share of a huge jackpot by simply picking one winning Premier League team each Gameweek.

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      Solskjaer looking forward to seeing Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano ‘close up’ in RB Leipzig clash More

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      Arsenal eye RB Leipzig pair Ibrahima Konate and Christopher Nkunku in double transfer raid in bid to improve squad

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      ARSEAL are eyeing RB Leipzig pair Ibrahima Konate and Christopher Nkunku in a double transfer raid, according to reports.
      The Gunners want to bolster their squad so may make moves for the duo next year.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsenal are considering activating the £45m release clause in Ibrahima Konate’s RB Leipzig contractCredit: AFP
      According to Bild, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on both players.
      Konate, 21, is a French centre-back with a release clause of £45million.
      That would make him a cheaper alternative than team-mate and compatriot Dayot Upamecano.

      Upamecano was a target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the summer before signing a new deal at the Bundesliga club.
      Konate missed the beginning of the season but is now in the side on the right of a Leipzig back three with Upamecano and Willi Orban.
      The report adds that plenty of English clubs are tracking Konate – but the lure of joining the likes of William Saliba as another young French defender at the Emirates may appeal.
      Arsenal also face competition in their pursuit of Nkunku.

      The France Under-21 international fits the mould of an exciting midfielder Arteta is looking for – just like Houssem Aouar or Dominik Szoboszlai.

      Christopher Nkunku celebrates his goal against former club Paris Saint-Germain in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bild add that former Paris Saint-Germain man Nkunku, 22, would cost around around £36m as Lyon also consider making a bid.
      Should Lyon land Nkunku, however, that may see the French outfit to allow Aouar to leave for North London.

      Arteta says Arsenal are inconsistent and something needs to be improved More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea in battle to land Jerome Boateng on free transfer as Bayern ‘refuse to offer him new deal’

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea are in a battle to sign Jerome Boateng on a free transfer, according to reports.
      And London rivals Tottenham may join the chase for the German defender.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham may all make moves to try and sign Jerome Boateng on a free transferCredit: Reuters
      According to Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern Munich will refuse to offer Boateng a new deal.
      The former Manchester City man, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
      That means he can enter negotiations with European clubs over a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer.

      Boateng came through at Hertha Berlin before three years at Hamburg and then joined Manchester City.
      After a season at the Etihad, he returned to his homeland by signing for Bayern in 2011.
      The centre-back has 333 appearances, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup for the Bavarians.
      Boateng and Niklas Sule have battled it out to partner David Alaba – also in the final year of his deal – at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s side so far this term.

      But Premier League sides may look to bring the experienced defender back to England next summer despite strong starts defensively to the season.

      Boateng has been heavily involved for the European champions at the start of this seasonCredit: EPA

      Caballero and Cech are the oldest players in the Premier League

      Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded ten while Spurs have shipped a league-best nine along with Manchester City, Wolves, Aston Villa and leaders Leicester.
      Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi all have their contracts expiring next summer.
      So even though Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Pablo Mari at his disposal, the Arsenal boss could benefit from the addition of Boateng.
      Chelsea landed veteran Thiago Silva for nothing this summer and are already reaping the benefits with his commanding performances at the back.
      Frank Lampard may be tempted by a similar signing if Silva continues to be a success.
      At Tottenham, Jose Mourinho saw one experienced defender leave in Jan Vertonghen.
      Joe Rodon did come in from Swansea but so far the Special One has generally opted for Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld at the back.

      Jerome Boateng scores pair of wonder goals for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga More

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      Jamal Musiala is following in the England footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham and may be the best of the lot

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      JAMAL MUSIALA was not expected to be this good this fast.
      When Bayern Munich poached the then 16-year-old from Chelsea last summer, they saw a raw kid that could continue his development in Miroslav Klose’s Under-17s side.

      ⚠️ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Former Chelsea starlet Jamal Musiala is the latest English kid to burst onto the scene in GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Fast forward 17 months and the winger is now both the German giants’ youngest player and scorer in their Bundesliga history.
      His record for the youngest player of 17 years and 115 days beat previous holder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg by a whopping 136 days.
      Musiala has also received his first England Under-21 call-up and could make his debut against Andorra on Friday at Molineux.

      Promoting Musiala up the ranks may be a smart move on Aidy Boothroyd’s part.
      The Three Lions know they have a battle on their hands to prevent the Stuttgart-born starlet from defecting back to Germany, for whom he represented at Under-16 level.
      Bayern boss Hansi Flick, who masterminded last season’s treble, has already recommended the youngster to close mate and Die Mannschaft coach Jogi Low.
      For now though Musiala is another example of an English starlet flourishing in Germany.

      And, following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and former England Under-17 co-captain Jude Bellingham, he is perhaps the best one that you may never have heard of.

      Jadon Sancho has become a regular England starter during his time at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Son to a German mother and Brit-Nigerian father, Musiala moved to the UK aged seven and was spotted by Chelsea scout Graham Castle playing in an Under-8 tournament in Southampton.
      Saints wanted to sign the eight-year-old but Castle, wowed by how “the ball stuck to his feet the whole time”, convinced him to pick the Blues.
      At 11, he attended prestigious, Croydon-based private school Whitgift for three years.
      Their famous sporting alumni include Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose brother Bradley is Musiala’s agent.
      Ex-Crystal Palace forward Andy Martin is Whitgift Director of Football and coached both and recalls how they made the game look “effortless” with their passing, dribbling and control.
      Musiala played as a striker back then, hitting a phenomenal 129 goals in 36 matches across Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14 level.
      Martin told SunSport: “I remember we played a team down in Plymouth in the quarter-finals of a national competition.
      “We travelled down on the day, a five-hour journey for a two o’clock kick-off. Jamal had scored a hat-trick within five minutes.
      “The game ended 10-0 and we called it off with 15 minutes to go so we could get back. That was the mark of the boy. He was absolutely ice cold.

      Jude Bellingham has received his first senior call-up after joining Dortmund in the summerCredit: PA:Press Association

      “There was rarely a game he didn’t score. I remember one game where he didn’t and he was so disappointed he had a few tears after the game.”
      Martin remembers “quiet, well-mannered, unassuming” Musiala being academically strong, excelling at art, English and, of course, languages – while shunning the flash side of being a footballer.
      Musiala, who turned down a three-year Chelsea deal to go to Munich, was called into a senior Bayern training session on May 22 without much fanfare.
      He did enough to earn his debut and be included in the Champions League party to head to Lisbon for the final knockout stages last term, where he impressed though he did not play.
      That has led to eight appearances so far this term, including two goals.
      His only start came in last month’s 3-0 cup win over FC Duren, in which he produced a stunning dribble and shot against the post which Flick lauded afterwards as “cheeky”.
      Bayern have learned to rein in their expectations of young players having seen the likes of Hojbjerg fail to match them. Less pressure could help Musiala.
      Musiala’s emergence at the reigning Champions League winners has justified his decision to turn his back on England’s top league.
      Boothroyd, Gareth Southgate and Co will be hoping that does not extend to the national team too for a player whose rapid progress shows no signs of slowing down.

      Watch ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala become second youngest goalscorer in Germany’s third tier with brace for Bayern Munich II vs FSV Zwickau More

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      Dortmund face losing likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland if they don’t start winning trophies, warns Fjortoft

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND are in danger of losing the likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland if they don’t start winning trophies, warns Jan Aage Fjortoft.
      Lucien Favre’s side fell to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich at the weekend.

      The 20-year-old duo have flourished together in 2020Credit: AP:Associated Press

      The result saw them fall three points behind Hansi Flick’s champions after seven games.
      And Fjortoft, 53, believes that they are in danger of losing their stars if they don’t start turning good players into silverware.
      He told ESPN: “Viv Anderson said to me, ‘but Jan, it’s quite easy, young kids want to win trophies – that’s why they’re in the game.’
      “One day they will go away, meet each other now at international break and they will say ‘you’re a good team, you have good talent, how many trophies have you got?’

      “I think that is the danger with Dortmund, now having the best Norwegian, the best American, the two best English, although Sancho is not at the moment unfortunately.
      “That is the main challenge for Dortmund, how long can they keep these young kids without winning trophies and the culture needs to be built up.
      “It’s also typical that Bayern [have] got that culture at the moment because they have that winning mentality in there.
      On Dortmund’s chances of ending their title drought this season, Fjortoft was bleak in his assessment.

      Fjortoft fired a warning shot at DortmundCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He added: “The weakest link in that is Favre of course. Favre loves his football, he loves his analysis and he’s a great coach, but at the end of the day, will you take the next step?
      “Are Dortmund closer to Bayern than they were last year? I doubt it.”
      Sancho, 20, was persistently linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer.
      And while BVB held on to their star winger this time around, Liverpool and Real Madrid could be in the financial position to enter the race next year.
      Los Blancos have also been linked with Haaland, 20, who has scored 27 goals in 29 games for Dortmund since joining ten months ago.

      Watch as Dortmund star Haaland is asked if he has a girlfriend in ‘weirdest interview’ that leaves Carragher baffled More

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      Man Utd transfer target Jadon Sancho ‘lacking natural lightness’ and not in ‘top shape’ claim puzzled Dortmund bosses

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      JADON SANCHO is suffering from a dip in form that Borussia Dortmund are struggling to get their heads around.
      Manchester United failed in a summer bid for the England winger, who stayed put in Germany thanks to Borussia’s tough line on his transfer fee.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Jadon Sancho is yet to hit top form in 2020-21Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Although Sancho, 20, tallied up goals and assists for fun last season, this year has not followed the same theme.
      The winger has failed to score in the Bundesliga and was subbed off during Borussia’s defeat to Bayern Munich on the weekend.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc was at a loss when explaining how to get Sancho back on form.

      Following the 3-2 defeat, he admitted to Ruhr Nachrichten: “He has had better and more efficient games. He’s lacking a bit of natural lightness at the moment.
      “Of course we speak to him, but it’s not something you can rediscover just by talking.”
      One man being held responsible for Sancho’s struggles is coach Lucien Favre.

      Many in Germany believe the 63-year-old has taken Borussia as far as he can and his star’s decline is described as showcasing his inability to harness truly top talents.

      Speaking ahead of the Bundesliga side’s midweek win over Zenit, in which Sancho scored, Favre insisted that Sancho cannot be expected to perform perfectly every week.
      The Swiss boss said: “Every player has slow periods.
      “There was a lot of talk about Jadon in the summer, something like that can also have an influence.
      “But no player is consistently in top form for a year, that’s impossible. You have to accept that.”
      Questions have been asked over Sancho’s state of mind since his move to Old Trafford fell through.

      Lucien Favre is the man charged with turning around Sancho’s woesCredit: AFP or licensors

      Borussia sporting director Michael Zorc has aired his concerns over the winger’s formCredit: Getty – Contributor
      United were told to pay £108million for the youngster and the Red Devils will reportedly come back with a fresh bid next year.
      However, several rival teams will be interested – reportedly including Liverpool and Bayern.
      And Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has accepted that the pandemic continues to make the transfer market incredibly unpredictable.
      He stated last month: “We could have made a big, valuable transfer in the summer, that’s well known.

      “But we’re glad it didn’t come to this.
      “Of course, we will also implement transfers again in the future, because Covid is clearly throwing us back.
      “Even the biggest clubs are feeling the effects of the pandemic, be it Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
      “At some point you come to the limit of what you can answer for. You can even see that in Munich right now with David Alaba as an example.”

      Watch former Man Utd wonderkid Angel Gomes scores brilliant solo goal to continue stunning form for new club Boavista More