Man Utd and Liverpool ‘an option’ for World Cup winner

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 4 Jun 2023 07:46 BST
• 4 min read

Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard has emerged as a summer transfer target for Manchester United and Liverpool, among others.

The Bundesliga giants are said to be willing to part ways with the French international – who was a key member of his country’s 2018 World Cup-winning team.

Man Utd and Liverpool could face some seriously stiff competition if they pursue Pavard, though, with the 27-year-old right-back also reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Inter Milan.

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According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport in Germany, Pavard ‘definitely’ wants to leave Bayern during the upcoming transfer window.

Plettenberg adds that Bayern would demand a fee of between €30m and €40m for the former Stuttgart and Lille man – which falls in line with his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €30.9m.

It is also claimed that Bayern – who last week clinched their 11th straight German title – would consider a swap deal for the player they signed for just €5m back in 2016.

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Pavard not a top priority for United

Were Pavard to move to Liverpool, it’s hard to see him holding down a regular starting berth ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold – unless Jurgen Klopp moves his assist king into midfield on a more permanent basis.

United, on the other hand, have two dependable options on the right of their back four in Diogo Dalot and the vastly improved Aaron Wan-Bissaka; realistically, their main summer transfer priorities lie elsewhere as they look to bolster their squad in readiness for a return to the Champions League next season.

Rumours of a switch to City might have more legs: Kyle Walker isn’t getting any younger – while Pavard doesn’t turn 28 until next March.