Manchester United are according to reports tracking RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba.
The 21-year-old defender has already attracted interest from Real Madrid and now Manchester United and Liverpool have joined in pursuit of him.
According to RMC Sport Journalist Fabrice Hawkins on X, the three teams are keen on acquiring the French defender, whose contract at RB Leipzig expires in 2029.
Lukeba recently signed a new deal with the Bundesliga club, but they are reportedly open to offers for him when the summer transfer window rolls around.
The defender featured for Leipzig as they faced Liverpool on Wednesday night in the Champions League playing against one of his potential future clubs.
The Reds may see him as a long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk whose contract expires at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag will be looking for Lukeba to reinforce United’s back line which has been hit hard by injury this season.
Both being young French defenders, he could develop a long-term partnership with Leny Yoro who joined United for £52 million in the summer.
Who is Castello Lukeba?
The 21-year-old defender has been at RB Leipzig since he signed from French side Lyon in August 2023 for a fee of £25 million.
He came through the academy at Lyon but has developed into a world-class centre-back during his time at Leipzig.
Lukeba has made 51 appearances since joining the German side and has become a mainstay in the first time line up of Leipzig manager Marco Rose.
How much would Manchester United have to pay for Lukeba?
The Frenchman signed a contract extension at RB Leipzig which activates a reported £75 million release clause in 2025 when the extension comes into effect.
However, as the German club have said that they would welcome offers for Lukeba in the summer, United could bid lower than his release clause with the hope of landing the 21-year-old.
However, if Real Madrid and Liverpool join in with bidding for the defender, the price could drive up as the three compete for his signature.