Fabrizio Romano claims Man Utd have identified ‘three alternatives’ as £28m transfer edges closer

Manchester United have reportedly identified three alternative transfer targets after missing out on the signing of Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils were interested in the French international but were unwilling to meet the asking price set by the Bundesliga champions, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Pavard is now set to join Inter Milan for a deal up to €33m (£28m).

United may have pushed through with the deal had Harry Maguire moved to West Ham United, but the collapse of that transfer means the Red Devils are assessing their options at present.

Writing in his column for Caught Offside, Romano revealed United have already got three targets in mind if they go back into the market for a centre-back.

“Jean-Clair Todibo has always been the other name on United’s list alongside Edmond Tapsoba and Marc Guehi, but honestly at the moment the Harry Maguire situation is completely quiet,” claimed the Italian reporter. “Nothing is happening with Maguire after his move to West Ham collapsed, and so Man United are not close to signing any new centre-back.”

Another possibility for United is capturing the long-term signature of Jonny Evans. The ex-Leicester City man is under contract at Old Trafford until the end of the month, but Ten Hag revealed last week that he would like to extend that into the new season. “We are in talks and when we have news we will bring it,” the Dutchman said on Friday.

Signing Evans could provide the back up needed at the heart of defence, and allow Maguire to depart, which, in turn, may free up the finances for Ten Hag to make further additions at centre-back. It was a position United had planned to strengthen ahead of the summer window, but the departure of David de Gea - and the need to sign a new goalkeeper - changed that outlook.

Regardless, ManchesterWorld understand that Ten Hag would like to move on Maguire and Eric Bailly before the close of the transfer window. The Dutchman is also hopeful of adding a new midfielder and may bring in a back-up goalkeeper in the final days of the window.