by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- After his performance in the 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has earned praise from his national team coach Didier Deschamps, who called him "one of the world's best."
Upamecano has become the most sought-after player in European football. While Bayern is working on a contract extension for the player, whose contract expires next summer, Real Madrid's efforts to sign him as a free agent have come to light, along with interest from PSG and Liverpool.
Media reports say the defender's management team is demanding a signing fee of 17 to 20 million euros (19.7 to 23.1 million U.S. dollars).
Sport-Bild reported that Bayern is exploring other options. According to the magazine, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires in the upcoming summer, has attracted huge interest, with Real Madrid and PSG joining the bidding parties.
Sport-Bild mentions an inquiry from the three clubs to Konate's agent, Konrad Hess.
While Upamecano is said to remain Bayern's primary target, the Bavarians also seem to rely on the player's fruitful communication with coach Vincent Kompany.
Meanwhile, French publication Foot Mercato reported that the defender has already accepted Real Madrid's offer, while other portals and newspapers deny a deal and say an ongoing case is underway.
Upamecano's entourage indicated they would wait until the upcoming winter break to make a final decision, which would allow the defender to negotiate with other clubs besides Bayern.
Former German internationals Dietmar Hamann and Lothar Matthaus recommended that Bayern go all-in on Upamecano.
"He is currently the best and has made significant improvements over the past year," former Bayern captain Matthaeus said, while former Bayern midfielder Hamann spoke of an extension as the most sense-making option. ■
