Bayern Munich are reportedly progressing in talks over a new contract deal for Dayot Upamecano amid interest from Real Madrid.
Premier League champions Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old defender, who will become a free agent at the end of the season.
However, it appears that the Reds have cooled down their interest, while Madrid are emerging as the leading candidate in the race to sign the Frenchman.
Liverpool suffer blow in Upamecano chase?
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich
(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Liverpool were close to signing Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window, but the deal collapsed on deadline day.
While the Reds retain interest in Guehi, other clubs, including Bayern, could also join the race.
It has been widely reported that Upamecano has also emerged as an option, given his contract situation, while Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with a move.
In recent weeks, reports have emerged that Upamecano has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid regarding a potential move next summer.
The German press have categorically denied such rumours, but maintain that Madrid does hold a concrete interest, and could move for him if Bayern fail to agree an extension.
Dayot Upamecano: Latest situation
We previously reported that Bayern are not close to reaching an agreement with Upamecano, as a wide gap exists between what the player wants and what the club can offer.
Christian Falk told CFBayern back in October about the situation. Let’s take a look.
“There is a kind of agreement between Bayern and Upamecano about a base salary, as he’s going to be a free agent in the summer, but there is always a signing fee! And the signing fee is a problem in these talks.
“You have Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich and he was in the same situation last year. The Canadian got a lot of money, we heard around €20m-22m [£17.4m-19.1m], just for the signing fee! Upamecano, of course, knows about this and has been asking, “What about my signing fee?”
“If he goes to another club like Liverpool, he will get a signing fee as a free agent. Real Madrid and PSG are also interested. So, this is really difficult for Bayern as the wage bill for the team is already quite high, and there’s a target in place to lower this by 20% for the whole team. This makes things really difficult.
“I heard the difference between what Bayern Munich want to pay and what Upamecano wants is still very, very big.”
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that talks between Bayern and Upamecano’s agent have been progressing well.
Should he sign a new deal, Upamecano would earn up to €20m gross per year on a contract until 2030 and 2031, and Bayern are very optimistic that the defender will remain with the club.
Upamecano has been superb for Bayern this season, producing an outstanding defensive performance during the 2-1 win over PSG in midweek.
Follow us on Instagram for more content straight to your mobile phone!