Manchester United will turn their attention towards three alternative targets if Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard does seal his transfer to Inter Milan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Writing in his column for Caught Offside, the Italian journalist said that Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are also on the Red Devils’ shortlist:

“What does this mean for Manchester United? Jean-Clair Todibo has always been the other name on United’s list alongside Edmond Tapsoba and Marc Guehi, but honestly, at the moment, the Harry Maguire situation is completely quiet. Nothing is happening with Maguire after his move to West Ham collapsed, and so Man United are not close to signing any new centre-back.”

As Romano mentions, any bid for one of these three options before the transfer window closes depends on Maguire being sold first and that doesn’t look at all likely.

All three defenders would be decent options

While Todibo has impressed during his time at Nice, Tapsoba is also another promising centre-half, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal in the past.

Guehi, meanwhile, has been one of Palace’s standout players since arriving from Chelsea a couple of years ago. The defensive trio will, however, not be available on the cheap, which is a big problem for United.

United’s transfer business depends on outgoings

After spending £175m on three summer signings, the club are not in a position to fund any further acquisitions, without sales being made first.

This is not only affecting the club’s ability to buy a centre-half but also a midfielder. Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on recruiting either Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat or Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch but Donny van de Beek and, potentially Scott McTominay, would have to leave first before those deals can be sanctioned.