Manchester United 'ready to explore Benjamin Pavard deal'

Manchester United are reportedly ready to explore the possibility of signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard during this summer's transfer window.

Diogo Dalot is widely expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer, but it is believed that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has made Aaron Wan-Bissaka surplus to requirements.

A recent report claimed that Man United will move for a new right-back in the current market if Wan-Bissaka departs, with Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries seen as a possible target.

However, according to L'Equipe, the 20-time English champions have also placed Pavard on their 'recruitment list', with the France international potentially available for transfer this summer.

The report claims that Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding the defender.

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Pavard is said to be considering his future at Allianz Arena, and it is believed that offers in the region of €35m (£29.9m) would be considered by the Bundesliga giants during the summer market.

The 26-year-old, who only has two years left to run on his contract at Munich, has made 119 appearances for his current side since arriving from Stuttgart in 2019, contributing five goals and 11 assists.

Pavard was again an important player for Bayern during the 2021-22 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions, contributing two assists in the process.

The France international showed his versatility by operating as a right-back, centre-back and right midfielder at club level last season, and it is thought that he is keen to secure more action in the middle of the defence.

Dalot was Man United's first-choice right-back in the second half of last season, with the Portugal international preferred to Wan-Bissaka by interim head coach Ralf Rangnick.

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Dalot has been heavily involved in Man United's pre-season, and it does appear that he will start the new campaign at right-back under Ten Hag.

Ethan Laird has also been involved in Australia, with the youngster bidding to provide back-up at Dalot, but the Red Devils will allegedly attempt to sell Wan-Bissaka before the end of the window.

"Manchester United will think of a right back only if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves," Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside. "The club are taking the time in pre-season to assess him and other players.

"My understanding is that Diogo Dalot is in the plans of Erik ten Hag, with the Portuguese youngster appreciated by the manager.

"Despite some of the transfer rumours, Jonathan Clauss has never been a Manchester United target, he will soon sign with Olympique Marseille; Denzel Dumfries is appreciated by Ten Hag but there are still no negotiations with Inter Milan."

Man United have already made three signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, Christian Eriksen on a free transfer and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.