Manchester United have seen their opening bid for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard knocked back by the German champions as Erik ten Hag looks to wrap up his fourth signing of the summer. Reports in Germany claim that United’s first proposal for the defender has been rejected as they look to find a replacement for former captain Harry Maguire, with Pavard emerging as their top target.
Ten Hag has earmarked the France international as the ideal replacement for Maguire, who is in talks over a £30million switch to West Ham after being replaced as skipper.
Bayern are understood to be open to selling Pavard this summer as his contract expires in June 2024, with United eyeing a bargain deal for the versatile defender.
Bild report the Bavarian giants have snubbed their first bid, however, with negotiations between the two clubs set to continue as they attempt to thrash out a deal.
The 27-year-old only played 45 minutes in Bayern’s heavy 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the DFL Supercup on Saturday night as a right-back, having been hooked at the break in favour of Noussair Mazrouai by Thomas Tuchel.
The report adds Pavard has already informed Bayern chiefs of his desire to leave the club and he is keen on joining United’s revolution under Ten Hag.
And his preference to play more centrally could be key to his move to Old Trafford, with Ten Hag looking to replace Maguire.
Benfica’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba have also been included on his shortlist.
West Ham are reportedly offering Maguire a contract worth £120,000 a week, and that means he would need to take a significant pay cut as he earns a £190,000 weekly salary with the Red Devils.
It could mean United agree to pay Maguire to settle the rest of his contract in order to push through his departure, with Ten Hag keen to conclude their transfer business as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the club are still expected to move for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat before the transfer deadline despite facing competition from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli and Juventus.
