Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United begin talks to sign £30m ace
**Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United are now in contact with Bayern Munich as Benjamin Pavard aims for a late-summer switch to the Premier League outfit. **
There are shades of Mason Mount in United’s pursuit of the 2018 World Cup winner.
Benjamin Pavard, Romano writes on his official Twitter/X account, has no intention of extending a contract which expires in less than 12 months’ time. Bayern Munich, then, find themselves in a similar position to Chelsea when Manchester United came knocking for Mount a couple of months ago.
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Either sell now, or lose Pavard for free in 2024.
Manchester United open Benjamin Pavard talks
“Understand Manchester United have contacted Bayern for Benjamin Pavard deal,” Romano explains; Erik ten Hag’s side stepping up their pursuit of the versatile defender.
“There’s still no green light from Bayern. But Pavard’s intention is clear. He wants to leave and try new chapter.
“Pavard won’t sign new deal at Bayern, and the current one expires in June 2024.”
A £30 million signing from Stuttgart back in 2019, Pavard will essentially replace Harry Maguire at Old Trafford. West Ham boss David Moyes confirmed on Friday that United had ‘accepted’ their bid for Maguire. A conclusion is expected to be reached early next week.
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Experienced and versatile
The Red Devils are also keen on Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Taposba. Pavard, however, should come cheaper than both due to his contract situation. At the age of 27, he is also far more experienced, versatile enough to play at centre-half and at right-back, and brings with him a wealth of title-winning experience.
Pavard would arrive having accumulated 14 trophies for club and country. Among an enviable haul of silverware lies a World Cup and Champions League winners’ medal.
“He’s an underrated player,” Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel told L’Equipe in April. “He can adapt to the highest level, and he defends rigorously. He is a top team player.
“(Pavard) immediately had my confidence and proved to me that I had been right (to back him).”
