Man Utd 'ready' to submit €50m offer for first summer signing

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Manchester United are “ready” to submit a €50 million offer for AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic when the summer transfer window opens, according to reports in Italy.

The Red Devils have been tipped to back Michael Carrick in the transfer market this summer, with the Englishman expected to be appointed on a permanent basis, and they have already identified a number of top targets.

It’s understood that Man Utd will prioritise the signings of at least two new central midfielders, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte set to depart, while the club are also keen to secure the signing of a new forward in order to bolster the attacking options at Carrick’s disposal.

A central defender is on the agenda too, although any potential deal may depend on the future of Matthijs de Ligt, who hasn’t played since November due to a back injury and has been linked with a departure after two years at Old Trafford.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite remains a long-term Man Utd target, but the 13-time Premier League champions have also been touted to pursue a deal for the aforementioned Pavlovic when the summer window opens in June.

The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for Milan since his arrival from RB Salzburg in 2024, and he has scored five goals in 32 Serie A appearances so far this season.

Chelsea are understood to be admirers of the Serbia international, but Man Utd are keen to win the race for his signature and they are “ready” to lodge a formal bid worth €50m, as per a report from Italian publication Corriere dello Sport.

It’s claimed that Pavlovic is “likely” to leave San Siro ahead of next season, and Man Utd are widely considered to be the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Man Utd’s summer transfer plans revealed

While Pavlovic is reportedly regarded as a key target by the Man Utd hierarchy, the club are also keen to bolster their midfield ranks with two quality new signings, as previously mentioned.

Their dream target is Elliot Anderson, but competition from Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest’s asking price of over €120m means that a deal remains unlikely to be finalised as things stand.

Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouamen, Mateus Fernandes and Ederson have all been earmarked as alternative options, while the club are also interested in Bournemouth star Alex Scott.

In regards to a possible new forward, it remains to be seen who Man Utd will pursue, with Bayern Munich leading the race to sign Anthony Gordon and RB Leipzig reluctant to sell Yan Diomande.