Manchester United may succeed in luring Benjamin Pavard to Old Trafford as he 'can be sold' by Bayern Munich this summer, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk.
The Red Devils have already bolstered their central defensive options by signing Lisandro Martinez in a £55million deal from Ajax, but new boss Erik ten Hag also has his sights set on landing Pavard ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
What's the latest news involving Pavard?
According to French media outlet L’Equipe, via The Sun, Manchester United and Chelsea are battling it out to bring Pavard to the Premier League.
However, the report suggests they are not the only clubs keeping tabs on the 45-cap France international's situation as Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also among his suitors.
Pavard cost Bayern Munich £31.4million when he joined from German rivals Stuttgart in 2019.
Despite still having two years remaining on his £115,000-per-week contract, there are doubts over whether the defender has a long-term future at the Allianz Arena.
That is because Falk has revealed that agent Pini Zahavi is helping Pavard's representatives to find a new club ahead of the transfer deadline.
What has Christian Falk said about Pavard?
Falk understands that Bayern Munich are open to offloading Pavard amid interest from various clubs this summer.
Bild's head of football believes the reigning Bundesliga champions' business during the transfer window has resulted in the Frenchman becoming a peripheral figure, increasing Manchester United's chances of being able to swoop.
When asked whether Pavard could be on the move to the Premier League, Falk told GIVEMESPORT: "That's true. He's one of the candidates who can be sold at Bayern Munich.
"He played at right-back, but they have bought Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax Amsterdam. He prefers to play at centre-back, but they have bought Matthijs de Ligt, so he knows already that his chances to play are not very big this season."
Why is Pavard of interest to Manchester United?
Manchester United conceded more goals than relegated Burnley last season, so it is clear that ten Hag needs to add better quality to his backline.
Pavard, who has won a host of trophies at club level and also the 2018 World Cup with France, could be a shrewd addition to the Dutchman's squad.
The 26-year-old has shown versatility, having played across the backline and in midfield, and that could come in handy during a rigorous Premier League campaign.
Pavard is also capable of being a threat in the final third of the pitch and has racked up 16 goal contributions during his time at Bayern Munich, so he could offer Manchester United creativity as well as solidity.