Manchester United dealt transfer blow as target agrees Inter switch

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag have been dealt a blow as Benjamin Pavard has reportedly agreed a switch from Bayern Munich to Inter Milan either this summer or next, it has been reported.

The Frenchman was thought to be high on Ten Hag’s list of defensive reinforcements this summer, and it was even claimed that the Red Devils had seen an opening bid for the Bayern man rejected.

Now he is set to slip through their fingers though.

As per Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Pavard has agreed to join Serie A side Inter Milan even if they cannot agree a fee with Bayern Munich, and the Frenchman is willing to move there on a free transfer in 12 months time ahead of other interested parties.

A move to Manchester United was already looking unlikely after West Ham pulled out of a deal for Harry Maguire, whose departure was needed to facilitate a move for the World Cup winner and upgrade Erik ten Hag’s options in the middle of defence.

However, confirmation of this will come as a major frustration for the Dutchman, who has already stripped Maguire of the captaincy in recent months and appears loathe to offer him another chance at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are still expected to be active in the final fortnight of the transfer window, with a midfielder thought to be the no.1 priority for Ten Hag to strengthen his squad. They retain an interest in Sofyan Amrabat, though Liverpool are also reported to be keeping tabs on the Fiorentina man, who is set to cost around 30m euros this summer should he move.

They travel to a rejuvenated Tottenham side on Saturday afternoon, looking to register a more convincing performance than their 1-0 win over Wolves in their opening game.

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