Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that his club are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard before the end of the transfer window.
The France international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Manchester United thought to be exploring the possibility of purchasing him this month.
However, a potential move to Old Trafford has been heavily complicated by the news that Harry Maguire is now likely to remain with the Red Devils following the breakdown of a switch to West Ham United.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on Thursday that Inter had launched an official bid of €25m (£21.4m) for Pavard in the hope of winning the race for his signature.
Inzaghi has now revealed that the Frenchman is "an objective" for the Italian giants, who are looking to boost their squad before the end of the transfer window.
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"He is an objective, but I don't like talking about players in other teams. He is not the only option and we need a player in that area," Inzaghi told reporters during a press conference.
Romano claims that a deal is difficult for Inter due to Bayern's 'requests', but the player has made it clear that he wants to leave Allianz Arena before the end of the transfer window.
Inter have lost the likes of Andre Onana, Eden Dzeko, Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar and Marcelo Brozovic over the summer, while Romelu Lukaku's loan spell from Chelsea expired after the Champions League final.
"The transfer window is complicated for almost everyone. We have lost some of the best players in their roles in Italy, but brought in those with bright prospects who can help us out," Inzaghi added while speaking ahead of Inter's first match of the new Serie A campaign against Monza.
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"We changed a great deal, some of it was our choice, some choices were dictated by the players.
"I thank Lukaku for what he gave us last season. I wanted him here and would've liked that to continue, but he made a different decision. It's disappointing how it ended, because he had been given a warm welcome by the Inter family."
Pavard, 27, was again a regular for Bayern during the 2022-23 campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in the process.
The defender also played 45 minutes of his side's 3-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup last weekend.
Pavard has entered the final year of his contract with Thomas Tuchel's side, though, and it is understood that he is pushing for an exit over the next couple of weeks.
Matt Law
