Manchester United and Manchester City showing interest in Bundesliga star

Manchester City will be hoping to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table when they travel to the south coast to face Southampton on Saturday. 

Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions currently sit second, eight points behind surprise leaders Arsenal, who have surprised many people with their performances this term.

The Citizens do have a game in hand, though, and will still fancy their chances of retaining their title.

In the meantime, it appears that City are interested in a shock move for a Bundesliga star.

As per 90min, the Manchester club are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.

The report claims that City are interested in the player, but could face competition from rivals Manchester United if they were to move for him.

The right-back is regarded by many as one of the world’s best in his position, and it appears that his performances for Bayern haven’t gone unnoticed.

Pavard is said to be a target for both Manchester clubs this summer

As well as United and City, European champions Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the Frenchman.

Pavard, 27, joined the German champions from Stuttgart back in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the leading full-backs in the German top flight.

In total, the France international has made 152 appearances for Bayern, although his contract is set to expire next summer and clubs appear to be circling.

City could be in the market for a new full-back if Joao Cancelo, who left the club to join Bayern on loan in January, departs permanently this summer.

The loan deal did include an option-to-buy, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Bundesliga champions will activate it at the end of the season.

Cancelo’s versatility is something that appeals to most, with the Portugal international able to play at either right-back or left-back.

United, meanwhile, have found the right-back spot something of a problem area in recent seasons, with both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot struggling to secure the starting spot.

New Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is said to be an admirer of Pavard, which could make it difficult for clubs to lure him away from Bavaria.