Ten Hag favourite 'SEDUCED' by Man Utd as fresh bid LAUNCHED
Tom Weber
- Updated: 17 Aug 2023 20:19 BST
- 3 min read
Benjamin Pavard is said to be 'seduced' by the prospect of joining Manchester United - but that may not be enough to sign him.
The 2018 World Cup winner is a long-time target of Erik ten Hag and a particularly attractive defensive option due to his versatility, being able to play on the right and centrally.
However, Manchester United have thus far been unable to move for the Frenchman. Bayern Munich, somewhat surprisingly, told United that he isn't for sale despite being out of contract next summer and having no intention to sign a new deal. Moreover, the Red Devils are hamstrung by the failure to get Harry Maguire off the books.
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It took until the final stretch of the transfer window to find a suitor for the erstwhile club captain which elicited some anxiety around Old Trafford because it makes getting a replacement in tough, so his decision to reject the Hammers may be a blessing in disguise, but Erik ten Hag is still frustrated that the 30-year-old has not yet been offloaded.
Ten Hag seduced Pavard
L'Equipe reports that Ten Hag has promised Pavard an important role in the squad and the player is said to be 'seduced' by the size and ambition of United.
Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, downplayed reports of Pavard's desire to leave, stating: "Benji hasn't communicated to me that he really wants to leave. As of now, there hasn't been an offer. He's our player and gets full support. Until that changes, we're fully counting on him."
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This quote is already outdated, however, as Inter have just launched their first bid for Pavard, according to Fabrizio Romano. The offer is said to be worth €25 million, which seems to be a long way short of Bayern's valuation of €40-50m.
It will be interesting to see if and how Man Utd will respond to the Italian club's approach.
