Man Utd line up Kim Min-Jae transfer alternative as Premier League rivals look to hijack move for Napoli star

MANCHESTER United will turn their attention to French international Benjamin Pavard if their move for Kim Min-Jae falls through.

United have been long-term admirers of the South Korean but face having their move hijacked by Newcastle – who are reportedly prepared to trigger his £42million release clause.

Reuters

United hold a long-term interest in Scudetto winner Kim Min Jae but face being gazumped by Newcastle[/caption]

AFP

Benjamin Pavard has emerged as an alternative to the Korean international[/caption]

And Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg reports that Pavard, 27, may be an alternative.

The France and Bayern man has primarily operated as a right-back throughout his career but his defensive nature means he has also played at centre-back for club and country.

Pavard made 43 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season as the club won their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title.

The defender is in high demand this summer, with Plettenberg reporting that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter are also interested in the Frenchman’s signature.

Bayern reportedly want in the range of £26m to £34m to secure his services and will hope for a bidding war given the number of interested clubs.

The news comes after reports that Thomas Tuchel is planning a brutal clearout of his Bayern squad ahead of a potential £100m move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

Bayern are prepared to let go of as many as eight players this summer.

Pavard is joined by Sadio Mane, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Theo Hernandez, Marcel Sabitzer, Alexander Nubel and Bouna Sarr on the transfer list as Tuchel swings the axe.

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United are set for a busy transfer window this summer as Erik Ten Hag looks to continue his overhaul of the Red Devils’ squad.

The club remain interested in Harry Kane, with Tottenham holding firm on their £100m price tag.

The United hierarchy will also look to agree a fee with Chelsea for midfielder Mason Mount after agreeing personal terms last week.

They also maintain an interest in Rice but face competition from both Bayern and Arsenal to secure his signature.

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