Bayern shows interest in Upamecano, Alaba nears rumoured Real Madrid move

According to Goal, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has reported that the giants of the Bundesliga intend to sign RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.

With David Alaba widely predicted to be on his way to Real Madrid when his deal expires at the end of the season, Bayern looks likely to find itself short at the back.

The departure of Alaba is not yet arranged, but it seems that Bayern will move quickly to bring in a top-level replacement, with Upamecano becoming one of the highest-rated young defenders in the world.

Since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017, the 22-year-old is approaching 100 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig and he made his senior international debut for France last year.

Rummenigge said that, speaking on Bild Live, Upamecano would stay in Leipzig at least until the end of the season, so it was too early to conclude that he would certainly join Bayern.

“We’re going to deal with it, of course, not just with this player, but in principle,” Rummenigge said, “in the positions where we want to do and have to do something.”

It was common knowledge that Upamecano has a release clause in his Leipzig deal, the Bayern leader also noted. He signed a new agreement last year to 2023, with the clause reportedly worth around EUR 45 million (£ 40 million/$ 55 million).

“The money situation was also an important factor in the Corona period,” Rummenigge added.

After both sides posted narrow victories on Wednesday, Bayern are four points clear of second-placed Leipzig at the top of the table.

For his results this season, defender Jerome Boateng has won praise and there have been reports that a new deal might be set for the 32-year-old.

Rummenigge declined, however, to be drawn on such speculation.