Benjamin Pavard has reaffirmed that he is open to leaving Bayern Munich to join a new club - but his comments spell bad news for Manchester United.
The Red Devils were linked with the France defender throughout the summer transfer window but opted to make Lisandro Martinez their marquee signing at centre-half. This season, Erik ten Hag has regularly deployed Diogo Dalot at right-back and he would like to sign a new option in January, so long as he can offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Pavard, 26, is an ideal candidate as he plays on the right of defence for France - helping them win the World Cup in 2018 - but is also well-versed in at centre-back. He also opened the door to leaving the Allianz Arena last week, declaring he would like to "take up new challenges", with just over 18 months remaining on his Bayern contract.
Pavard has doubled down on this stance but United will be concerned by his insistence on joining a club where he will play at centre-back rather than on the flank. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, per Football Italia, he said: "I've been playing in Germany for seven years, I have many friends in Stuttgart and I've won everything with Bayern. I play to win and I am open to considering new projects as a centre-back."
Given United's depth in central defence, it is unlikely they would be able to satisfy Pavard's desire to play in the position, with right-back a more pressing area for recruitment. Ten Hag already has Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire at his disposal.
In another hint that Old Trafford will not be his destination if and when he leaves Bundesliga champions Bayern, Pavard talked up the possibility of moving to Serie A, where compatriot Olivier Giroud plies his trade with AC Milan.
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"Olivier always tells me that Italy is a country that 100 per cent lives for football," Pavard said. "He has told me about the magic in the derby and the big celebrations for Milan's title win. I'd like to play with him because he is a good friend of mine, let's see."
Giroud is not the only member of the France squad for the Qatar World Cup who plays in Serie A; Theo Hernandez is a regular in defence for Milan and Adrien Rabiot is on the books at Juventus.
Pavard added: "It is never easy to win, but Serie A is very interesting, not just for a defender like me. It's very open as my friends Giroud, Theo Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot have always told me."
