Manchester United transfer target Benjamin Pavard has been made available for transfer by Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The journalist had already claimed that the France international was looking to leave the Allianz Arena but he has now had it “confirmed” that the player will be sold for between €30m (£26m) and €40m (£34m):

Update #Pavard: As reported and now confirmed: He will be allowed to leave Bayern immediately. Bayern demands a transfer fee of €30-40m.

➡️ Real, Barcelona, ManCity, ManUtd and more clubs are in! @SkySportDE 🇫🇷 https://t.co/7NMnb3sYEF

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 7, 2023

Why is Pavard leaving Bayern?

The defender has a year left on his contract this summer, and his club don’t want a situation where he runs down his current deal and leaves on a free transfer.

Pavard has also expressed interest in playing in a different league. The Frenchman has spent the best part of seven years in Germany, having left Lille in 2016.

United will have rivals for Pavard’s signature

As Plettenberg mentions, there will be at least three other teams involved in the race for the World Cup winner’s signature, including rivals Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the fullback in recent months.

Where would Pavard fit in at United?

The 27-year-old is equally comfortable playing at right-back or as a centre-back so it would allow manager Erik ten Hag some flexibility in his tactical setup.

Considering neither Diogo Dalot nor Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to leave Old Trafford, though, it does look as though most of Pavard’s game time would come in the centre of defence.

If United do press ahead with plans to sign the player, it may suggest they are anticipating the departure of captain Harry Maguire.