Talks are ongoing between Bayern Munich and Man Utd over a transfer for France international Benjamin Pavard; a transfer will only occur if Harry Maguire leaves the club; Maguire is still finalising a move to West Ham; Watch Man Utd vs Wolves live on Monday Night Football; Kick-Off 8pm
Sunday 13 August 2023 14:55, UK
Benjamin Pavard will "fight as hard as possible" for move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich, but the clubs are far apart in their valuations.
Talks are ongoing between the clubs. However, the transfer will only happen if Harry Maguire leaves Manchester United.
Maguire is still finalising his exit ahead of his move to West Ham. Everything is in place between the clubs with a £30m deal agreed and personal terms agreed in principle.
Bayern Munich have known for a long time that Pavard wants to leave.
The France international, who can also play at right-back and centre-back, has one year left on his deal and is expected to cost between £30m and £35m. He has previously been linked with Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona.
Bayern wanted to replace Pavard with Manchester City's Kyle Walker, but he is staying with the Premier League champions.
United have done due diligence on several defenders, including Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, should they be in a position to sign reinforcements at centre-back for Maguire and Eric Bailly, whose representatives have held talks with Al Nassr.
Discussions with Todibo's representatives have taken place to gauge the parameters of a potential deal.
Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports News he wants depth in the squad and competition for places to be able to fight on all fronts.
Fred has completed a move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce, subject to international clearance.
The fee is €10m (£8.6m), plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.
Galatasaray and Fulham had also been interested in the midfielder, who posted a farewell message to Man Utd fans on Saturday.
It read: "Thanks for everything, Manchester United Football Club.
"Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career. I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best during all training sessions and games.
"It was five years of a true dream for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. Forever a Red!"
Fred made 213 appearances for Manchester United after joining the club in 2018.
The club wished him well in a statement, adding: "The 30-year-old leaves so many positive memories from his time at Old Trafford, where he has been a hugely popular individual, both as a person and as a player.
"Everybody at the club would like to wish the very best of luck to Fred for the future."
Manchester United will begin their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm; kick-off 8pm.
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag confirmed Maguire would be considered for selection, despite appearing to edge closer to a West Ham move.
Discussing where he feels his squad is heading into the new season, Ten Hag said: "You never can compare seasons with each other but I think we are much further than last season. But you can never compare games, also different opponents.
"But I think we had a very good pre-season. Our fitness levels are very good. I also think our performance levels during the pre-season were on a high level.
"We are very confident but I also want to mention, pre-season doesn't say anything. Pre-season is pre-season. It is friendly football. Although I never take a game as a friendly but it is friendly in the sense of in the league.
"When you are going for the points, it is a different approach for both teams. We are ready, we want to fight. We are looking forward and energetic and we go for it."
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
