Erik ten Hag ‘is pushing’ for Man Utd to finalise deal on £34.5m-rated defender, verbal agreements in process

Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Benjamin Pavard this summer, despite interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City emerging in recent weeks.

A lot of rumours have swirled around the centre-back’s future but now, the Red Devils are said to be making real tracks towards bringing him to Old Trafford. According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Pavard is in ‘concrete talks’ with United and all parties involved in the potential deal are ‘working on a verbal agreement now.’

Pavard is looking to leave Bayern Munich this month after spending the last four years with the Bundesliga outfit. During that time, the 27-year-old has won the league every season and helped the Bavarians win the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup. With less than 12 months left on his current contract, Bayern will want to cash in while they can and not risk losing him for free at the end of the new season.

Plettenberg also reports that Erik ten Hag ‘is pushing’ to get the signing over the line as the 2023/24 Premier League campaign quickly approaches. Pavard is a versatile defender who can play almost anywhere across the back four and as it stands, United are expected to part ways with former captain Harry Maguire, as well as Eric Bailly. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have also both left following the expiration of their contracts.

A number of sources have reported different transfer fees for Pavard since the interest in his signature ramped up, but Transfermarkt currently value him at €40 million (£34.5m). If United can get a deal over the line, the France international will join new marquee recruits Mason Mount, André Onana and Rasmus Højlund on the roster as the Reds push to build on their top four finish last season.