Manchester United informed of Benjamin Pavard price-tag by Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich is demanding at least £34.5m for Benjamin Pavard, a defensive target for Manchester United.

Manchester United's pursuit of Benjamin Pavard has hit a stumbling block as Bayern Munich is demanding a fee of at least €40 million (£34.5m) for the French international. United, who have been looking to bolster their defensive options, had initially been working towards a deal worth around £30 million. However, Bayern's change in stance has frustrated Pavard and could potentially lead to the German side blocking any potential transfer if they fail to secure the signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

Meanwhile, in other transfer news, it has been reported that Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. The winger is said to be closing in on a €90 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. United, along with other European giants such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, reportedly declined the chance to sign Neymar due to concerns over the size of the overall package, including his hefty salary demands of €200 million per year.

These developments highlight Manchester United's ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. With the potential collapse of the Harry Maguire deal with West Ham, manager Erik ten Hag is keen to address the depth in his defensive options. Benjamin Pavard has emerged as one of the targets on his radar, but Bayern Munich's reluctance to sell at a lower fee poses a challenge for United.

The demand for Pavard's services at such a high price reflects the quality and reputation he has built during his time at Bayern. The French international, who can play as a right-back or center-back, showcased his abilities during the 2018 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in France's triumph. His versatility, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute to the attack make him an attractive target for Manchester United.

However, Bayern Munich's firm stance on the transfer fee indicates their reluctance to part ways with Pavard. The German club's desire to secure the signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City could also play a role in their decision-making process. If they fail to secure Walker's services, they may be less inclined to let Pavard leave.

In the midst of these negotiations, Manchester United's decision to turn down the opportunity to sign Neymar raises eyebrows. The Brazilian superstar is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and has enjoyed success at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, concerns over the financial implications of the deal, including Neymar's astronomical salary demands, seem to have deterred United from pursuing the transfer.

Overall, Manchester United's pursuit of defensive reinforcements and their decision-making in the transfer market reflect their ambition to compete at the highest level. The club's willingness to invest significant sums of money in players like Benjamin Pavard demonstrates their commitment to building a strong and competitive squad. However, the challenges they face in negotiations and the careful consideration of financial implications highlight the complexities involved in the modern transfer market.