Man Utd & Man City in 'race' with Serie A giants to sign French international

Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich, but face competition from Juventus.

The 27-year-old, who has earned 49 French caps and was part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad, could be on the move this summer as Bayern look to restructure their side under Thomas Tuchel. 

As per Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Pavard ‘wants to leave’ the German champions during the transfer window, and has ‘no intention’ of extending his contract at the Allianz Arena. Pavard’s current deal expires in 2024, meaning Bayern could be tempted to sell this summer and avoid losing the player for free next year.

Meanwhile, Plettenberg adds it’s a ‘race’ between United, City and Juventus to sign Pavard, although Bayern are yet to receive an official offer for the defender.

ManchesterWorld understands there is interest from United in Pavard, but the club are not prioritising adding a centre-back at present. The Red Devils had planned to strengthen in that area before the summer window opened, but the cost of replacing David de Gea and signing a new striker means significant funds are unlikely to be available for a new centre-back. That could change if Harry Maguire departs, but offering Jonny Evans a permanent contract could be a more cost-effective option for the Red Devils.

As for City, it was reported earlier this month that the treble-winners had expressed an interest in signing Pavard, especially with Kyle Walker still contemplating a move to Bayern. Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo may also depart this summer, meaning Pep Guardiola might be force into the market to strengthen at the back. Josko Gvardiol is seen as the club’s main priority at the moment, although issues in agreeing a fee with RB Leipzig are holding up the transfer.

Meanwhile, Juventus seems like the least attractive of the three clubs, with the Serie A side finishing seventh last term and set to place in the Europa Conference League this season.