Manchester United seem to be fading from the race for Benjamin Pavard with Inter Milan now believing that a deal for him is on.
United conceded two rather sloppy goals on Saturday evening, losing 2-0 away at Tottenham Hotspur.
Erik ten Hag went with the same back four which somewhat fortuitously kept a clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
United were slow to react for Pape Matar Sarr’s opener and Lisandro Martinez then swiped the ball into his own net to seal the defeat.
This was a pretty dismal performance from United and may leave some hoping for some defensive additions – but it doesn’t look likely right now.
Harry Maguire situation makes Benjamin Pavard deal unlikely
United had agreed a deal to sell Harry Maguire to West Ham United, clearing the path for a new defender to come in.
That move has collapsed though with Maguire now ready to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer transfer deadline.
West Ham aren’t waiting around; they’re now moving on to sign Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos instead.
United already appeared to have a replacement in mind for Maguire; Bild reported on Monday that Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard was wanted and he was desperate to join.
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The Frenchman seemed ideal for United in terms of his ability to play at right back or centre back.
Yet with Maguire now staying put, it seems unlikely that Pavard will be joining United – and a move elsewhere is accelerating.
Inter Milan believe Pavard deal is on
Pavard is into the final year of his Bayern contract so he was always bound to attract major interest.
Inter Milan are now emerging as the top destination for Pavard as they seek to strike a deal with Bayern.
Inter CEO Beppa Marotta has been quoted by Fabrizio Romano as saying ‘deal on’ with regards to Pavard joining the club.
Marotta claims that Pavard wants to join Inter but Bayern need to find a replacement before letting him go.
Talks are ‘ongoing’ according to Marotta and the hope is that he will now be an Inter player before the window shuts.
Inter seem to be spending some of the Andre Onana money on pavers, ruling out the chance of United pouncing for him on a free transfer next summer.