RB Leipzig sporting director: Upamecano to extend his contract or leave in 2020

RB Leipzig sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff has told Dayot Upamecano to extend his contract or leave in 2020.

Dayot Upamecano has been told to sign a new RB Leipzig contract or be sold this year.

The centre-back has developed into one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe since joining Leipzig from Salzburg in 2017.

The 21-year-old has impressed consistently at the heart of the defence, although his form has tailed off since the Bundesliga season restarted and he was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Paderborn last Saturday.

Upamecano, whose contract runs until June 2021, is said to have a release clause of €60million that will expire at the end of this month.

Leipzig sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff has made it clear the club cannot consider allowing the player to leave on a free transfer in 2021.

"Upa is an extremely important player for us and one of the most sought-after talents in this position in Europe," Mintzlaff told Bild.

"One thing we can guarantee: we have a very clear understanding with him and his agent that we won't be letting him go for free. We cannot afford that as a club.

"So, there are two options: extend or change. I'm absolutely certain we'll know relatively quickly which direction we're going in."

According to Bild, Arsenal had a €60m bid for Upamecano turned down before the start of the season.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been linked with the player, who began his career with Valenciennes and spent a season with Liefering in Austria before his move to Salzburg.