Manchester United ‘Ready’ to Submit €50m Bid for AC Milan Defender

Manchester United are preparing for a major rebuild this summer and reports from Italy suggest the club are ready to move quickly for Strahinja Pavlovic as part of their defensive reshaping ahead of next season.

United are expected to back Michael Carrick heavily in the transfer market after the club secured a return to the Champions League. Carrick’s strong run since taking charge has increased expectations that he will be appointed permanently before pre-season begins.

Midfield remains the club’s biggest priority, particularly with Casemiro preparing to leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte also expected to depart after an inconsistent spell in England. United are aiming to sign at least two central midfielders, but recruitment plans are not limited to the middle of the pitch.

Defensive reinforcements are also under serious consideration as uncertainty continues around the fitness and long-term future of several players in the squad. Matthijs de Ligt has not featured since November because of a back injury and reports linking him with a possible summer exit have increased in recent weeks.

United’s recruitment staff are therefore exploring options across Europe and Pavlovic has emerged as one of the most prominent names under consideration. According to reports in Italy, United are prepared to submit an opening offer worth €50 million for the AC Milan defender once the transfer window officially opens.

The Serbia international joined AC Milan from RB Salzburg in 2024 and has quickly established himself as an important figure in the team. His performances in Serie A this season have attracted attention from several major European clubs.

Pavlovic has scored five goals in 32 league appearances during the current campaign and has built a reputation for his aggressive style of defending, aerial ability and confidence in possession. At 24, he is entering a stage of his career where clubs view him as both an immediate starter and a long-term investment.

Chelsea are also believed to admire the defender, although a report from Italian publication Corriere dello Sport in Italy claim United are currently leading the race for his signature. Milan’s uncertain financial position and the growing interest around the player have increased expectations that a transfer could materialise during the summer.

Carrick’s side have spent much of the season dealing with defensive instability caused by injuries and rotation. Lisandro Martinez, De Ligt and several others have all missed significant periods, leaving the coaching staff without a settled back line for long stretches of the campaign.

The club’s interest in Pavlovic reflects a broader attempt to build a younger and more physically dominant defence capable of coping with the demands of both domestic and European football. United are expected to play at least 48 matches next season after returning to the Champions League, making squad depth increasingly important.

Jarrad Branthwaite remains another long-term target for United, although any move for the Everton FC defender would likely require a substantially larger fee. Everton are understood to value Branthwaite highly and remain reluctant to sell unless their asking price is met in full.

United’s focus on Pavlovic may therefore represent a more realistic option financially while still strengthening an important area of the squad. His age profile also fits the recruitment direction the club have pursued in recent windows.

While defensive additions are being discussed internally, midfield remains the area expected to receive the largest investment. Elliot Anderson is viewed as one of the club’s preferred targets, although competition from Manchester City and Nottingham Forest’s valuation could complicate negotiations.

Alternative midfield options have already been identified. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni, Mateus Fernandes and Ederson are all among the names linked with Old Trafford in recent weeks.

United are also monitoring Alex Scott as they attempt to improve both technical quality and athletic balance in midfield. The club’s recruitment team believe greater control in central areas is necessary if they are to compete consistently at Champions League level.

Attacking reinforcements are also expected before the window closes. Benjamin Šeško has impressed since Carrick’s arrival, but United remain aware that the Slovenian cannot carry the goalscoring burden across every competition on his own next season.

Interest in Anthony Gordon has cooled with Bayern Munich pushing strongly for the winger, while RB Leipzig are reluctant to entertain offers for Yan Diomande.

United’s ability to complete multiple major signings will still depend heavily on departures. Casemiro’s wages coming off the books will provide some flexibility, while the club are also expected to listen to offers for several fringe players as they reshape the squad around Carrick’s tactical ideas.