Manchester United have moved to the front of the queue to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, with discussions already more advanced than rival clubs.
TEAMtalk has revealed that United are “leading the race” for the defender, with their talks with his representatives described as the “most advanced” of any interested party.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the picture, with German outlet Fussball Daten reporting that all three clubs have contacted Tapsoba’s entourage to explore potential moves.
The 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has become one of the most sought-after defenders in the Bundesliga after several outstanding seasons at Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen have placed a firm asking price of €50 million, equivalent to approximately £42.8 million, on the centre-back amid the growing Premier League interest.
Tapsoba joined Leverkusen from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020 and has since made 270 appearances across all competitions, contributing 13 goals from the heart of defence.
The defender signed a contract extension with Leverkusen until 2031 earlier this year, signalling that the German club would prefer to keep him, though they have not closed the door on a significant offer.
United’s pursuit of Tapsoba is understood to be driven in part by concerns over the fitness and availability of both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez heading into the season.
Tapsoba has been described as a “modern centre-back” capable of playing in a system built around playing out from the back, a profile that suits several top-flight managers.
The Burkina Faso international had previously been linked with Chelsea due to his association with Xabi Alonso, though that interest faded after the Blues secured the signing of Maxence Lacroix.
With Chelsea unlikely to add another centre-back this summer, the competition for Tapsoba has effectively narrowed to United, Spurs, and Newcastle.
Tottenham and Newcastle remain active in their pursuit, meaning United cannot afford to be complacent despite holding the most advanced position in negotiations.
The transfer window remains open, and further movement on this deal is widely expected as clubs look to finalise their squads before the deadline.