Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window.
Lukeba has been an instant hit since arriving in the Bundesliga from Lyon last summer with the 21-year-old having become an important part of the Leipzig line up.
His performances in Germany earned Lukeba a France debut in October and the central defender has been named as captain of the u-23 side by head coach Thierry Henry ahead of the Paris Olympics this summer.
Footmercato claim Manchester United and Chelsea have checked in on the progress of Lukeba this season, as both teams consider centre-back additions. The uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane at Manchester United, alongside Lisandro Martinez’s fitness issues this season, mean central defenders are high on the list of priorities at Old Trafford.
Chelsea, meanwhile, also want to sign a centre-back at the end of the campaign with Lukeba’s compatriots, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, having underwhelmed in the Premier League.
Leipzig are reluctant to let the defender leave and will demand a high price for a player who cost €34m less than a year ago. Lukeba has a release clause of €70m (£60.1m) in his contract at the Red Bull Arena, though it does not become valid until 2025.
