Manchester United are stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to the Independent.

The newspaper claims that the 21-year-old is becoming “an increasingly attractive option” for the Red Devils, who believe that there will be less competition for him than his teammate Dayot Upamecano.

However, that may not be the case with the Independent claiming that both Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in Konate. The centre-back is also thought to have a higher release clause than Upamecano: at €50m (£44m).

United have made signing a centre-half a priority in the summer, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unhappy with the current options available to him. His side have conceded 30 goals in 23 games, which is only the eleventh best defensive record in the Premier League.

Konate has been part of an RB Leipzig defence this season which has let in only 17 goals in 20 matches, helping the Bundesliga club to second in the table.