Bayern Munich ready €35m move for France international

Bayern Munich want to sign versatile Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard in the summer of 2019, reports German outlet Bild.

Pavard is currently on duty with France at the 2018 World Cup but new Bayern head coach Niko Kovac has earmarked the 22-year-old as a top priority.

Kovac may have to wait 12 months before prising Pavard away from Stuttgart as their Bundesliga rivals are determined not to sell this summer.

However, that could work into Bayern’s favour as Pavard has an exit clause of €35m (£30.8m) that will be active at the end of next season.

Pavard is a centre-back by trade but has started three of France’s four matches at the 2018 World Cup at right-back.

The Frenchman scored a goal of the tournament contender in their 4-3 win over Argentina on Saturday and also started three league matches in central midfield last term.

Pavard completed more interceptions than any other player in the Bundesliga last season (70).