Man Utd Transfer News: Red Devils Eye AC Milan Defender Strahinja Pavlovic in £40m Summer Move
Ben McAleer
Manchester United are considering a summer move for AC Milan centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic, reports Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.
United are expected to be incredibly active when the window opens and while central midfield remains a priority, the Premier League side will aim to strengthen in other areas ahead of their Champions League return.
And defence is a problematic position for United that they’ll look to rectify in the off-season.
Head coach Michael Carrick has a number of centre-back options to call upon, with Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, who recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford, and Ayden Heaven all available to the United boss.
However, De Ligt’s ongoing injury issues and Heaven’s inexperience should see United dip into the market with Pavlovic emerging as a potential target.
AC Milan keen to retain Pavlovic's services
The 24-year-old has established himself as a key man for AC Milan following his 2024 arrival from Salzburg.
And the Rossoneri are understandably keen to retain Pavlovic’s services beyond the summer as they themselves gear up for a return to European action.
Pavlovic is contracted to AC Milan until 2028, while the club have the option to extend his deal by a further year, so they are under no pressure to cash in on the powerhouse Serb.
As such, AC Milan would likely command at least £40m to entertain the idea of cashing in on one of their prized defenders.
Additionally, United wouldn’t be the only side interested in signing Pavlovic should AC Milan’s stance on the centre-back soften.
Eagles monitoring towering Serb
Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest in Pavlovic as they prepare for sweeping changes at the club this summer.
The Eagles will lose Oliver Glasner at the end of the season and are looking to see out the Austrian’s time at the Selhurst Park helm on a high.
Palace won the FA Cup and the Community Shield last year, and are one-game away from landing the UEFA Conference League as they ready themselves for their final showdown with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig later this month.
And they remain in the market for another centre-back following Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City in January, with Pavlovic reportedly on their wishlist.
