Kylian Mbappe has fluttered his eyelashes at Dayot Upamecano, hinting that the Bayern Munich defender should join him at Real Madrid.
Upamecano is a key figure at the heart of Bayern’s defence but his current contract runs out at the end of this season.
Bayern are working to keep hold of the 27-year-old but there is plenty of interest in the 34-cap France international from European heavyweights.
Chelsea and Liverpool have both been credited with interest in the former RB Leipzig man, while Real Madrid are also believed to be fans of his work.
Mbappe has been in fine form with Real Madrid this season and was asked about his international teammate while on duty with France this week.
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He talked up the talents of Upamecano and while he insisted he wasn’t being disrespectful to Bayern Munich, he gave a clear hint that his compatriot could step up to a ‘better’ club.
‘He’s doing very well, he’s very confident, full of self-assurance,’ Mbappe said at a press conference. ‘He’s in the debate about who is the best defender in the world.
‘For me, he’s one of those dominant defenders. He’s capable of keeping up with the forwards, of winning duels. He’s a tactical asset.’
Smiling, Mbappe added: ‘He’s at a big club, Bayern, there’s not much better… But there are better ones. I’m not going to say anything, I’m not going to get into that debate, out of respect for his club and for him, because I know that if I say something he’ll be under more pressure.
‘But when you talk about a player of this calibre, all the clubs will be on the lookout to sign him.’
What has Upamecano said on his future?
Upamecano has offered little clarity on his future, telling L’Equipe: ‘My agent is taking care of it.
‘We will make the right decision. I am receiving good advice. I am focused on this season and my goals with the club and the national team. I don’t have the headspace for it.’
Things are going very well for Upamecano and Bayern on the field, with Vincent Kompany’s side already six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after 10 games.
Bayern speak out on contract talks
Bayern also sit top of the Champions League group stage with four wins from four matches, including a fine victory at champions PSG last time out.
The club’s director of sport, Max Eberl, said recently that other clubs had contacted Upamecano’s representatives, but Bayern are trying to convince him to stay.
‘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.’
Kompany said recently of his defender’s future: ‘I’m not the only one making the decision. 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.’