Manchester United are reportedly lining up an ambitious move for Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović as a 'new name'.
Journalist Mark Brus explains via Caught Offside that the Red Devils have now added Pavlovic to their shortlist of midfield transfer targets, which also includes Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
Already at 21-years-old, Pavlovic has 65 senior Bayern Munich appearances to his name after graduating from the German giants' youth rans in the summer of 2023, with 11 of those coming in the Champions League.
However, given the competition for places in the engine room at Bayern, Ruben Amorim's side are keeping tabs on the highly-rated German international, who has a substantial price tag set for his signature.
Man Utd Add Bayern Ace Pavlovic To Transfer Shortlist
Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v VfB Stuttgart - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - December 17, 2023 Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Caught Offside's report adds that Bayern would want "as much as €80m (£70m)" for Pavlovic, and his experience at the elite level and potential to develop even further are key factors that have cemented his lofty price tag.
Already this season, Pavlovic has proven his credentials at the highest echelon, featuring five times in the pre-season FIFA Club World Cup tournament for Bayern, and already making ten appearances for Vincent Kompany's side so far this campaign.
With Casemiro entering the final years of his career at 33, and Manuel Ugarte failing to nail down a starting role for Man Utd under Amorim, the Red Devils are searching for marquee recruits in central midfield.
Also, given that Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave Man Utd in January, it heightens their need for additions in the engine room, but Brus' report indicates that a mid-season move for the Bayern starlet is "unlikely" to occur:
“United see Pavlovic as one option to replace Casemiro,” one source told me. “Manuel Ugarte is also not seen as a long-term option. A move in January is unlikely, but he’ll be one to watch next summer.”
Standing at 6"2', Pavlovic has the physical attributes to play in the Premier League, with his well-rounded attributes making him an ideal candidate to impact Man Utd positively, both in defence and attack.
However, comments from Bayern boss and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany indicate how he sees Pavlovic's footballing future panning out.
Kompany Backs Pavlovic To Become 'Top' Midfielder
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany shouting instructions from the touchline
Kompany has played a pivotal role in Pavlovic's development, bedding him back into the Bayern fold after the youngster suffered a broken collarbone in October 2024, just months after the Belgian's arrival at the Allianz Arena.
The Bayern boss has acknowledged Pavlovic's talent and potential, and last season admitted that he hopes to see the 21-year-old become a "top" midfielder in world football.
As quoted by iMiaSanMia, Kompany said of Pavlovic last season: "(He is a) Very talented young player. He plays with a lot of maturity.
"We support him when he makes a mistake and encourage him when he plays well. Hopefully he becomes a top midfielder not only in Germany but also in the world."
With Kompany highlighting the quality and further potential Pavlovic possesses, it is doubtful whether the Bayern boss would sanction his transfer to his former fierce foes.