The Red Devils are reportedly eyeing Strahinja Pavlovic to bolster a vulnerable backline, weighing a cut-price move for the Serbian titan as Michael Carrick plots a summer squad overhaul.
Manchester United are on the verge of a summer transfer rebuild in hopes of revitalizing the squad before pivotal Champions League and domestic campaigns.
Michael Carrick is likely to remain in post for the next season, as reports have emerged that the board favour Carrick's familiarity and pedigree when it comes to United.
The recruitment team has identified several positions as a priority this summer transfer window. These include a new striker, a winger, a pair of new midfielders, and potentially a couple of new fullbacks.
But one position the club seems to consistently target is the centre-back position. Despite a strong list of depth in this area of the pitch, the Reds are continuously linked with a new centre-back to battle that area's injury concerns.
Pavlovic links ramp up
United have been rumoured to be interested in Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic, a player who has been a shining light in an underwhelming season for AC Milan. The Rossoneri remain unsure whether they'll play Champions League football next season, sitting fourth, level on points with Roma.
That said, Milan has the fifth-best defensive record in the league, and Pavlovic has played a huge part in that process. The Serbian has played 32 out of the 36 Serie A games this season and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet each week.
Calciomercato IT have provided a report suggesting United are in for the Serbian defender, and they have valued Pavlovic at just under £30 million.
The Serbian will be preparing for the FIFA World Cup tournament this summer, but with all the links around the player, Pavlovic will hardly have time to enjoy a summer in America.
Galatasaray targeted the 24-year-old in January, but were unable to secure his signature. This leaves Pavlovic available on the market, although there are questions surrounding whether United's name is being used as part of a larger transfer ploy.
Is Pavlovic a necessity?
Despite his obvious ability, Pavlovic is amongst a highly saturated market when it comes to centre-backs; therefore, United may think twice before making a move for the Serbian.
In the past two years, United have signed three centre-backs to join the likes of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. This came after a shortage in defenders under Erik ten Hag, in which he resorted to using Casemiro as a makeshift defender.
Leny Yoro and Mathijis de Ligt arrived at the club in the same summer, when things were looking positive under ten Hag. Both defenders have had periods of excellence in Manchester, and despite various lasting injuries, the board understands how valuable the pair are.
Ayden Heaven followed in January of the same season. His involvment in the squad took some time, but Heaven's short cameos have been widely impressive, and have earned him a space in Carrick's squad for the end of the current season.
All these factors act as a deterrent to the transfer of Pavlovic. Though the Serbian is extremely gifted, priorities must lie elsewhere, such as securing a new world-class midfielder to replace the departing Casemiro.