Dayot Upamecano to the Premier League? We've been talking about this deal for six months, yet he still remains a Valenciennes player.

Before Christmas he was going to Arsenal. Then over the New Year it was Manchester City. But Manchester United was closest, agreeing terms with Valenciennes and having Upamecano visit Carrington, only for the deal to fall through before the winter market shut.

United have kept in touch and despite Upamecano's reluctance in January, they remain confident of landing the France U17 captain.

Juventus have come forward in the past fortnight, agreeing to match Valenciennes' asking price and making it clear to Upamecano's camp his demands will be no problem. But those close to the defender insist the teen's priority is United, even if the likes of City and Juve offer more money.

For Valenciennes midfielder Fabrice Abriel, the hype around his young teammate is justified.

"Physically, he is ready for first team football," says the 35 year-old. "He has a good passing game and is strong in the air.

"I am sure if he stays this season he will be playing in the pros. But he's still very young and needs to be managed properly."

Asked about a comparison and Abriel nominates Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

"He has great potential and plays in same the style (as Varane)," adds the former Lorient and Olympique Marseille star.

Standing at 190cm, Upamecano has been known to Europe's top talent spotters since his junior days in Evreux. But it was at last year's U17 Euros where his potential was confirmed. The centre-half was the outstanding performer in a superb France team which dominated the tournament, thrashing Germany in the final 4-1.

"I tried to be a leader with France," recalled Upamecano. "I want to play like I'm the boss of the team.

"My teammates are more than friends. They're brothers."

Upon lifting the title, Upamecano was made a bumper contract offer by Zenit St Petersburg, while Red Bull Salzburg also made contact, hoping to steal a march on more glamourous rivals.

But the youngster was urged by his agents not to jump at the first opportunity. And that patience paid off, as Europe's biggest clubs came knocking in January.

"During the winter, he was very busy," recalls Abriel. "A couple of times, he even had one foot on an airplane. But I don't think the clubs could find an agreement."

In the final week of January, United had settled with Valenciennes on a fee of €450,000, rising to €900,000 in bonuses, for Upamecano. Everything was in place. But on deadline day, the deal collapsed. Upamecano's agents pulled the plug after failing to reach personal terms.

Far from being upset, Upamecano was happy to knuckle down and play out the rest of the season with VA's youth team.

"I'm grateful to my coaches at Valenciennes," he says. "As I am to my teachers in Evreux.

"It's important to have people believe in you. They have and it's lifted me up."

Also going up is VA's asking price. United remain in contact, but the latest development comes from within France, where Olympique Marseille, on orders of coach Marcelo Biesla, made an attempt last month for Upamecano.

OM president Vincent Labrune put in a call, but didn't get very far: VA are now demanding €2.5 million for their young star - who's agents also made it clear that Labrune would be wasting his time. Upamecano wants only a move to Manchester United.

Which leaves Eddy Zdziech, the VA president, in a difficult position. With less than a year to run on Upamecano's contract, he knows he must sell now. But if the youngster has his heart set only on United, so the prospect of an auction driving up his price is gone.

"Dayot Upamecano is one of the best of his generation in France," says Zdziech. "He is coveted by many clubs and wants to leave.

"If a club offers the right price, he can leave."

Abriel agrees, though admits he would've liked to have played alongside Upamecano this coming season.

"I think Valenciennes, unfortunately does not have much choice. The club needs to sell and he has big market value.

"It's a shame because it would have been interesting to see what he could offer us next season."