Liverpool's summer transfer plans have received a boost after one of Jurgen Klopp's targets told Bayern Munich he wants to leave the club.
French international Benjamin Pavard has spent four seasons with the Germain giants, helping them to the 2019/20 Champions League crown. The club have also secured the Bundesliga title in each of those campaigns, albeit by the skin of their teeth this time around after overhauling leaders Borussia Dortmund on the final day.
But the future of 27-year-old, who also won the World Cup with his country in 2018, has been the subject of intense speculation this season amid discontent in Bayern. Manager Julian Nagelsmann was sacked mid-season in favour of Thomas Tuchel, while CEO Oliver Kahn departed within moments of the club securing the league title.
Liverpool had been among the clubs to make enquiries about the star, with Kicker reporting Pavard's ability to play in central defence and in full back igniting interest from the Anfield club. And with Klopp making no secret of his desire to add reinforcements this summer, the signing of world class defender would ultimately prove a welcome addition.
And that notion has now moved a step closer after Pavard signalled his intent to leave Bayern, according to Bild. And with just a year remaining on his contract, the club are likely to cash in on the former Stuttgart man rather than wait for him to leave on a free in 12 months time.
A potential hindrance to a deal is that the English club are unable to offer the player Champions League football in 2023/24. Instead, the 2019/20 Premier League champions will play in the Europa league after an underwhelming fifth placed finish.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Benjamin Pavard be a good fit for Liverpool? Comment below.
He's not only Bayern star that Liverpool have been linked to. Klopp has also been pursuing midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has not made the expected impact since moving from Ajax. But the failure to sign Jude Bellingham means the Reds have stepped up their interest in the Dutch international.
Liverpool are also being tipped to complete a move for Brighton's Mac Allister, and are also in the race to sign Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte. And there are a number of players heading for the exit door to make the way for the potential reinforcements.
Sunday's 4-4 draw at Southampton was the final bow in a Liverpool shirt for Roberto Firmino, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. And having been injured for the majority of the campaign, Naby Keita has also played his final game for the club, with youngster Fabio Carvalho also now seemingly expressing his desire to seek first team football elsewhere.
