Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has suggested that Dayot Upamecano’s agent is fielding calls from interested parties, but the German giants are working hard to extend his contract.
The centre-back’s current deal expires at the end of the season, meaning he could leave on a free transfer after five years with Bayern.
The 27-year-old remains a regular in Vincent Kompany’s starting XI, making 14 appearances so far this season, including 90 minutes of the 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
Upamecano has also been holding off plenty of competition for France, taking his tally to 34 caps and looking set to feature at next year’s World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been alerted to his contract situation and are ready to pounce.
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The likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are believed to be interested from the Premier League, while Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been touted as suitors.
Eberl suggests contact has already been made from the interested parties, but Bayern are trying to convince the Frenchman his future remains in Bavaria.
‘It’s normal if other clubs are calling his agents, it’s part of the game,’ he said.
‘I’ve already said that we want to do our best and get new contract done. We are on it.’
Last month Eberl spoke out on the situation, suggesting it is a priority for the club to convince the defender to put pen to paper on a new deal.
‘Upa has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the world,’ he told Sky Germany. ‘He went through a phase where he made a few mistakes.
‘We are working and making sure we do everything we can to make Dayot Upamecano sign a new contract.’
Kompany wants to keep hold of Upamecano
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has made it clear that he wants the Frenchman to stay at the club, but admits the decision is out of his hands.
‘I’m not the only one making the decision,’ said the Belgian.
‘I always see my players as slightly better than everyone else. Dayot Upamecano is an absolutely important part of our team.
‘We have very clearly defined roles in our club. It’s not just me who makes the decision.’
‘He helps me a lot’
Upamecano sounds like he enjoys working with Kompany, though, so perhaps he can influence the decision.
Speaking to Le Parisien, the France international said of his manager: ‘We all watched him when we were young; he was a legend for Belgium and Manchester City. He was a very aggressive defender in duels, a leader on the pitch too, a good example for me.
‘He helps me a lot; we do a lot of videos, he talks to me about my positioning. With him, it’s always very intense.’