Former Man Utd target (right) back on Ten Hag's list!

Stuart Telford

• 11 Apr 2023 21:15 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are set to go back in for Benjamin Pavard if Bayern Munich beat them to the punch for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Pavard has long been linked with a move to Man Utd, the defender first attracting their interest after he helped France to the World Cup in 2018, before he signed for Bayern in a €35 million move from VfB Stuttgart the following year instead.

Although he has made noises about leaving since, speaking of his admiration for the Premier League and interest in a 'new project' after seven years in the Bundesliga, Pavard has more recently been linked with Barcelona while United have shifted their focus.

READ: Benjamin Pavard: Man Utd and Barcelona learn Bayern Munich's asking price

The Red Devils have three key positions they want to strengthen next summer: at No.9, central midfield, and right-back.

Whilst Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have both performed admirably in the latter position, Erik ten Hag using both this season is testament to him not having full trust in either.

Frimpong domino effect

It is understood that Frimpong is United's top transfer target in the position next summer, but they face competition for his signature, and Bayern's interest could have a domino effect.

READ: Fabrizio Romano - Man Utd now face competition for Frimpong

"Bayern Munich also retain an interest in Frimpong and could look to hijack United's bid for the 22-year-old," report Football Insider.

"Should the German giants be successful and land Frimpong, United could trigger a domino effect and instead target Pavard - whose position at Bayern would be under threat from Frimpong."

Pavard could also plug more than one gap at United. Originally a centre-back by trade, he would provide extra cover behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez with Harry Maguire's future at the club looking uncertain.

Pavard is valued at €31m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm - a price well inside United's budget but a figure that would represent Bayern's third-highest sale of all time after Robert Lewandowski and Douglas Costa.