Club’s transfer chief speaks out on the future of centre-back linked with Spurs

RB Leipzig’s transfer head Johannes Jahns has indicated that Dayot Upamecano will not be sold this summer which could put an end to Tottenham’s rumoured pursuit of the centre-back.

Upamecano is one of a number of central defenders that Spurs have been linked with over the last couple of months with reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of the 21-year-old (Don Balon).

However, Spurs’ pursuit of the Leipzig stopper was never going to be straightforward with the likes of Manchester United (Express), and Bayern Munich (Soccer Link) also said to be interested in the defender’s services.

Tottenham received some hope at the start of this month when Leipzig’s managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, hinted that the Bundesliga club may be forced to sell the defender (Sport1 via Football.London).

However, Upamecano’s agent, Volker Struth, suggested earlier this week that the centre back will stay put at the Red Bull Arena with no club is likely to be in a position to pay the transfer fee Leipzig are commanding given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jahns has now also indicated that the Frenchman will stay at Leipzig for now.

Speaking to Sport 1, the Leipzig transfer chief said: “Upa currently has extremely good conditions to develop further.

“He plays at a very high level in Leipzig and I don’t really see any urgency for a change. He can still take the next step in a few years.

“Where he is playing now, he is in very good hands. And his development is far from over. He can also develop wonderfully in Leipzig.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I never really thought we had a chance of getting Upamecano particularly given the financial blow we have suffered due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are too many cheap centre-back options available this summer. I would rather see us hand Vertonghen the two-year contract that he wants than sign someone like Chris Smalling.

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