Frenchman to be United’s next signing?

There has been heavy suggestion that Manchester United will finally get their man by signing 16 year-old Frenchman Dayot Upamecano.

The under-17 international plays for Valencienne’s under-19 side as a centre back and was reported to have visited Carrington in January with a view to a move being made in that winter transfer window.

It is thought that the youngster’s wage demands were the obstacle to the transfer at that time, but with title-rivals Arsenal and Manchester City closing in, United appear to have acted fast enough to finish the deal this summer, after he impressed in the U17 European Championships with his country in some rock solid displays at the back.

Defence is an area that Louis van Gaal certainly wants to strengthen and it is possible that the potential signing of Dayot Upamecano would come with a view to partner him and Paddy McNair together a few years down the line, as Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo whilst relatively young, will not be around forever.

It is currently believed that the young defender has agreed personal terms with United and the fee for him will come to around £700,000 before possible clauses for trophies won or future transfers, which often find their way into the contracts of promising young players.