Man City want Man Utd target Benjamin Pavard to replace Kyle Walker

Benjamin Pavard, a Manchester United transfer target, is now Manchester City’s No.1 choice to replace Kyle Walker, according to reports.

City are weighing up whether to sell Walker this summer, with the right-back linked to Bayern Munich.

The England international is a club legend, having made 254 appearances since signing in 2017 and won tonnes of silverware, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

However, he found himself on the bench more toward the end of last season as Pep Guardiola switched to a 3-2-4-1 formation, and at 33 with just a year left on his contract he could fancy a change of scenery.

Bayern are interested and as such City have made moves to ensure that a top-level replacement is lined-up.

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Pavard, currently of Bayern, is the Citizens’ priority signing should Walker leave the club.

The English and German champions are set to hold talks over the two players, while City are currently in the process of agreeing terms with the French World Cup winner.

Pavard signed for Bayern from Stuttugart in 2019 and has been a key player for the club ever since, making 162 appearances and winning four straight Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League.

Like Walker, the 27-year-old’s current contract expires in 2024 and he is also capable of playing as a right-back or centre-back meaning he can easily slot into Guardiola’s system.

Curiously, the defender was also recently linked with City’s arch-rivals United, as well as Barcelona, though their interest may have cooled with Erik ten Hag convinced that Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot are good enough for now.

So far this summer, City have signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea are looking to bring in highly-rated centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

But they could also be losing several key players in addition to Walker, with former captain Ilkay Gundogan already at Barcelona while Riyad Mahrez has been linked with the Saudi Pro League.

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