Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has settled on his chosen Harry Maguire replacement as the former club captain nears a £30million switch to West Ham United, according to reports. The Red Devils have opened talks with Bayern Munich for Benjamin Pavard as they ramp up efforts to land a fourth summer signing.
Ten Hag is on the hunt for a centre-back after United accepted a West Ham bid for the 30-year-old earlier this week.
Reports emerged naming Pavard, OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba on the shortlist.
But the Dutchman is claimed to have decided on his No 5’s successor after giving the green light for an exit to West Ham.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have made contact with Bayern over the signing of Pavard, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The 27-year-old allegedly wants to leave the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks and won’t extend his current deal.
It leaves Bayern at risk of losing Pavard for free next year, a similar position that led to Chelsea selling Mason Mount to United in a £60m deal earlier this summer.
Ten Hag is on the hunt for a centre-back after United accepted a West Ham bid for the 30-year-old earlier this week.
Reports emerged naming Pavard, OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba on the shortlist.
But the Dutchman is claimed to have decided on his No 5’s successor after giving the green light for an exit to West Ham.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have made contact with Bayern over the signing of Pavard, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The 27-year-old allegedly wants to leave the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks and won’t extend his current deal.
It leaves Bayern at risk of losing Pavard for free next year, a similar position that led to Chelsea selling Mason Mount to United in a £60m deal earlier this summer.
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Pavard’s desire to depart may persuade the Bundesliga champions to soften their stubborn stance on his future amid Tuchel’s desire to keep him.
United were thought to be delaying Maguire’s move to West Ham while they made a succession plan.
But the Old Trafford giants’ move for Pavard suggests that plan has been set, leaving Maguire free to switch to the London Stadium once he agrees a contract pay-off with United to cover his reduced wages.
Sky Germany claim Bayern would demand around £26m to part ways with the French World Cup winner before the summer deadline.
On Friday, West Ham boss David Moyes confirmed that the club had been successful with an offer for Maguire.
He said: “We’ve had a bid accepted from Manchester United, but while he’s not our player, I’m not in a position to discuss him.”
Ten Hag remained more coy on the England international’s short-term future ahead of Monday’s Premier League opener against Wolves at Old Trafford.
When quizzed about whether Maguire was in contention to face Wolves, he briefly replied: “Of course.”
He will likely start on the bench, regardless, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez set to resume their partnership at the heart of Ten Hag’s defence.