Benjamin Pavard 'rejected chance to join Manchester United over the summer'

Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard reportedly rejected the opportunity to join Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils were linked with the France international in the latter stages of the market, with the club looking to sign a right-back to provide competition for Diogo Dalot.

Pavard is said to have been on the club's radar, with a report claiming that offers in the region of €35m (£29.9m) would be considered by the Bundesliga giants during the summer market.

According to Telefoot, there was genuine interest from the 20-time English champions, but Pavard rejected a switch to Old Trafford in order to continue at Bayern.

The report claims that Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were also in the mix for the 26-year-old's signature.

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Pavard, who has less than two years left to run on his contract at Bayern, has made 127 appearances for his current side since arriving from Stuttgart in 2019, contributing seven goals and 11 assists.

The defender was again an important player at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions, contributing two assists.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman has managed two goals in eight outings for his Munich club this term, but he has been an unused substitute for the team's last two Bundesliga games.

Pavard recently refused to rule out a future move away from Bayern in an interview with Telefoot.

"I questioned myself. I had calls from different clubs with my agent," said Pavard. "Afterwards, I had the coach with whom we spoke and with whom we have a good relationship.

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"He made me understand that I was in his plans, that I was important for the team. Maybe one day I'll go to one of these clubs; you never know what the future holds. I'm still a year at Bayern Munich. Afterward, we have time to project ourselves."

Dalot became Man United's first-choice right-back following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last November, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now seemingly surplus to requirements.

Wan-Bissaka is expected to leave Man United either in January or next summer, which would lead to the 20-time English champions entering the market for a new right-back.

Brandon Williams is capable of playing as a right-back, though, and the Englishman has been named in the team's Premier League squad for this season despite not yet being involved under Erik ten Hag.