Manchester United 'hold initial talks' with Erik ten Hag target and other transfer rumours

Manchester United have held talks with Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard - according to reports - as Erik ten Hag strives to ramp up his plans for the summer transfer window.

Since appointing Ten Hag last summer, United have sanctioned moves for nine players - including loan deals - and the Dutchman wants key figures upstairs to be ruthless when it comes to outgoings next season. Among plans for new additions, meanwhile, include a prolific striker and central midfielder.

However, the club are also thought to be in the market for an upgrade at right-back with Pavard deemed to be front and centre in that regard. Reports from The Athletic underline interest from Old Trafford and indicate that initial discussions have already taken place with regards to a summer arrival from the Bundesliga.

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The same article says United will listen to offers for Aaron Wan-Bissaka when the market reopens. United did make him available for transfer last summer, but with no concrete approaches made for the £50million player he stayed to compete with Diogo Dalot for a shirt.

Elsewhere, reports from French outlet RMC Sport state United are considering a swoop for promising France midfielder Khephren Thuram following his breakthrough season. Thuram, 22, is the younger brother of Marcus Thuram, who has himself been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Khephren is a defensive midfielder who currently plays for OGC Nice and the France national team. He won a first senior cap during the recent break.

Standing at 6ft 4in and with 29 matches under his belt this campaign, Khephren is pinpointed as one possible long-term replacement for Casemiro in the United engine room.