Man United told asking price for ‘next Josko Gvardiol’ as transfer target reaches agreement -Report

Man United told asking price for ‘next Josko Gvardiol’ as transfer target reaches agreement -Report

Manchester United were among those tracking RB Leipzig’s highly-rated defender Castello Lukeba – but he has just penned a new deal which includes a release clause

If Manchester United wants to sign Castello Lukeba, a summer target who has signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, they will need to pay €90 million (£75 million).

The German team has taken precautions by including a significant release clause in his most recent contract, which keeps him committed until 2029.

Before moving to Leipzig from Lyon, the highly regarded center-half was being considered by Manchester fans.

Leipzig paid well under £30 million to get Lukeba, who rose through the Lyon academy and was predicted to do well.

He has only gotten better, and most recently, he excelled for France at the Olympics. His usefulness as a left-footed center-half has only increased.

The German side signed Lukeba to replace Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian departed for Manchester City for a hefty fee and Leipzig, as they often do, have reinvested impressively. Lukeba can also play as a left-back, which is another string to his bow.

RMC Sport reports that the likes of Real Madrid, as well as the Manchester outfit are eyeing the Frenchman with bids expected as early as the next summer – albeit they will now need to pay huge sums to land the young defender.

United have struggled to nail their defensive recruitment with their backline still an issue. Erik ten Hag is yet to see Leny Yoro in action after his pre-season injury. There is plenty expected from the young defender, who was signed from Lille back in the summer.

Matthijs de Ligt was another recruit as Ten Hag bought in the man who’d excelled under him at Ajax. De Ligt has struggled to fulfil his potential though and has struggled to make an impact since joining from Bayern Munich – being dropped after some poor performances.

A number of the club’s other options are also inconsistent. Lisandro Martinez was also dropped in recent weeks, leaving the team turning to veteran Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. Victor Lindelof also remains on the club’s books despite falling down the pecking order.