Man Utd now interested in signing 21yo Bundesliga star, €70m clause in contract - report
Manchester United have been monitoring RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba for weeks, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
The Red Devils are likely to invest on a marquee central defender this summer with the possibility of Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer.
The Frenchman has had another injury-plagued season with the club and he could move on with the hierarchy yet to extend his contract beyond June.
Foot Mercato today claim that United are keeping tabs on Lukeba, but they are not alone with Chelsea also in the pursuit of the former Lyon man.
The 21-year-old has made good progress since his move to the Bundesliga last summer. He has a release clause worth €70 million active from June 2025.
It is reported that Leipzig have no desire to part ways with him this summer.
United unlikely to make huge outlay on Lukeba
The Red Devils are currently on course to miss out on Champions League football but they still need points in the Premier League to qualify for another European competition.
They could also make the Europa League by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Regardless of this, we don’t see the club making a huge outlay of €70m or more on Lukeba amid Financial Fair Play issues. The onus could be on spending cautiously this summer.
Lukeba has impressed with his strong distribution, duel winning ability and knack for making clearances, but the Frenchman is not the best when it comes to winning tackles.
He could improve with age and experience, but United may want a more established player. Meanwhile, Lukeba has played as a left centre-back in his whole career to date.
United may ideally want someone who has the ability to play in both central defensive positions. This is another reason why the club may not make a summer approach for him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com