Report: Liverpool now in talks with 'very strong' Mac Allister partner; Klopp wants deal done next...

According to a report from Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk that was posted in his side-gig for CaughtOffside, the agent for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard is engaged in talks with Liverpool FC.

" Benjamin Pavard has informed the club that he wants to move in the summer,” the SportBILD journalist wrote. “His agents are already talking to other clubs. Among them, Liverpool is now a hot candidate. Previously, Chelsea and Barcelona were already known to be interested, as well as Italian clubs AC and Inter Milan.” 

At this stage, there is no doubt that Pavard and Lucas Hernandez are exploring their options to leave Bayern Munich. Knowing that Bayern Munich will likely need a contingency plan to acquire a third, starting-caliber center-back to bolster its depth.

The past few seasons have offered a ridiculous amount of talent and depth on the backline for Bayern Munich. That could take a hit this summer as it is hard to replace the quality and versatility of players like Pavard and Hernandez.

Bayern Munich is expected to make a few changes in the defensive area of the squad this summer. They have already reached an agreement with Raphael Guerreiro for a three-year deal. The Portuguese left-back will join Bayern from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.

Die Roten may also look for a new central defender since Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez could leave Bavaria this summer. The Bavarian club still hopes to extend Hernandez’s contract. Pavard looks certain to leave Rekordmeister after rejecting a new deal. A move to Premier League could become a concrete option for Pavard.

Pavard is expected to generate significant interest from several top clubs across Europe. Manchester United, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Inter Milan have been linked with a move for him. Inter Milan had a bid rejected for the French defender at the end of the winter transfer window.

The former Stuttgart defender first expressed a desire to leave Bayern at the end of 2022. Pavard insisted that he was open to a new project where he could regularly play in central defense. The Bavarian club had no plans to part ways with Pavard in January despite his comments about looking for a new club.

Bayern had hoped to see a U-turn from Benjamin Pavard after playing regularly in the heart of defense during Ruckrunde. The club chiefs were also pleased with Pavard’s performances. However, the French defender had his mind made up regarding a transfer.

Rekordmeister cannot afford to lose him on a free transfer in 2024. They would hope to find a quick resolution around his future to make sure they can initiate plans to find a replacement for him. Bayern will hope to see more clubs showing strong interest in the French defender, which may eventually lead to a bidding war.