Bayern Munich have knocked back Manchester United’s opening proposal for defender Benjamin Pavard, but the Red Devils are expected to return with an improved bid in the coming days.
Pavard is out of contract in 2024 and has reportedly told the Bayern hierarchy that he would like to leave the club, either this summer or on a free transfer in 12 months time.
Though he played 45 minutes in the DFB Supercup defeat to RB Leipzig on Saturday evening, he is still keen to depart and is thought to favour the opportunity to play in a more central role rather than the right-back role that he has become used to in Bavaria.
It is thought that Manchester United could offer him just that, with Erik ten Hag having shortlisted the World Cup winner as a replacement for Harry Maguire, who is putting the finishing touches to a £30m move to West Ham United.
Also in the list are OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, though Tapsoba in particular is thought to be a more expensive option than the other two.
Now, it appears that the Red Devils have earmarked Pavard as their no.1 option, and Fabrizio Romano claims that a first offer has already gone in. This, however, has been rejected by the German side, though United are expected to come back in with a second offer shortly, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
Ten Hag’s side are expected to be busy both with incomings and outgoings in the coming weeks, with a midfielder also on their wishlist before the end of the transfer window.
They have been linked with a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who could cost them around 30m euros.
