Manchester Unitedare upping the ante in their attempts to lureBayern MunichstarBenjamin Pavardto Old Trafford for a key ɾєɑȿօɴ, transfer insiderDean Joneshas told GIVEMESPORT.
The Red Devils got their Premier League campaign underway with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, but boss Erik ten Hag could still freshen up his squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Man United transfer news – Benjamin Pavard
According toMailOnline, Pavard is pushing to joinManchester UniteddespiteBayernsignalling their intention to keep him at the Allianz Arena.
The ɾєρօɾτ suggests the Red Devils are likely to test the reigning Bundesliga champions’ resolve with a second bid for the France international, who is valued at £26million andstartedhis current employers’ German Super Cup defeat to RB Leipzig last weekєɴԀ.
It comes after Manchester United’s opening proposal was rєjєƈτed despite reaching averbal agreementwith Pavard over personal terms.
The defєɴԀer has emerged as ten Hag’spriority targetin the event of Harry Maguire leaving, although Serie A giants Juventus are providing competition for his signature.
Manchester City alsoset their sightson recruiting Pavard earlier in the summer, but the 27-year-old has remained on Bayern’s books for now.
There is uncertainty over the former Stuttgart man’s long-term future as his contract, which allows him to pocket£116,000-per-week, is due to expire in less than 12 months.
What has Dean Jones said about Pavard?
Jones understands thatManchester Unitedare eager to bring in a new defensive option while there are still doubts over whether Maguire will be heading onto pastures new.
The respected journalist believes Pavard, who has been described as’special’by formerBayernsporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, has been identified as ten Hag’s number one target to replace the England international if he moves on.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT:”They still want Maguire to come to a conclusion and move on. I think we’ve reached the stage where a centre-back – or at least a defєɴԀer – is a high priority.
“They want to get someone in that squad that replaces Maguire in there. I think that Pavard seems to be the one that makes most sense to them at this stage, and they are pursuing it.”
What’s next for Man United?
Ten Hag is also looking to bolster his options in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield and, according toThe Guardian, the Dutchman has turned his attentions towards landing Everton’s Amadou Onana.
The ɾєρօɾτ suggests the Merseyside outfit do not want to sell the Belgium international just 12 months on from his£33million arrivalon Merseyside, but they could demand as much as £50million if the Red Devils come calling.
Everton are in a strong negotiating position as Onana still has four years remaining on his£100,000-per-weekcontract at Goodison Park.
Despite there being uncertainty over whether the combative midfielder will still be on the Toffees’ books by the time the transfer window slams shut, he was stillnamedin his current employers’ starting line-up for the weekєɴԀ defeat to Fulham.
Onana’s inclusion came after he was also a key man during his first season with Everton, making35 appearances.
