Liverpool have reportedly moved ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano next summer.

The highly-rated 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the recent transfer window, but United ultimately put their interest on hold in order to pursue other targets.

Upamecano has a release clause in his contract at Leipzig which will allow him to leave the club for around £40m next summer, prompting a clamour for his signature between some of Europe's top teams.

Man United and Liverpool had been leading the race, but Spanish outlet Todofichajes claims that the Premier League champions have now moved to the front of the queue.

Both clubs have already conceded 11 goals in this season's Premier League, with their defensive requirements being exposed as United shipped six goals and Liverpool seven last time out.

Upamecano has emerged as one of the most coveted defensive players in Europe and he is widely expected to leave the German outfit next year, despite only signing a new five-year deal with Leipzig in July.

However, reports have suggested that he will only consider joining a Champions League club.