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Manchester United begin move for 'the next Nemanja Vidic': report
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- Manchester United begin move for 'the next Nemanja Vidic': report
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Manchester United are targeting "the next Nemanja Vidic" this summer as they look to bolster their defensive options.
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Harry Maguire has already signed a new contract with the club, but Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt have proven to be unreliable options, with both suffering repeated injuries throughout their time at Old Trafford.
That has turned focus to AC Milan 's Strahinja Pavlovic, who Man United could look to sign in the upcoming transfer window.
Strahinja Pavlovic could cost as much as £45m
Manchester United are searching for defenders after extending Harry Maguire's contract | Credit: Getty Images
After a strong showing in Serie A this season, the Serbian defender has drawn comparisons with his fellow countryman and former Man United man Nemanja Vidic .
As such, his price tag is expected to be around the 40-50m Euro mark (£35-45m), with Chelsea , Crystal Palace and clubs in Saudi Arabia also reportedly tracking his progress.
Chelsea see Pavlovic as a replacement for Benoit Badiashile | Credit: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Should Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League, it could leave them in a position where they have to sell some of their star players.
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Pavlovic's exit would represent a sizeable return on investment, after he joined from RB Salzburg for £15m in 2024.
According to Fichajes , a "bidding war" is expected between Man United and Chelsea, who are reportedly looking for a replacement for Benoit Badiashile.
Crystal Palace are also keeping an eye on the situation, as they look to build on a season in which they could take home a first-ever European trophy.
Milan's preference is to keep the defender, with reports in Italy claiming they see him as a future club captain.
Man United are also interested in Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly | Credit: Getty Images
Pavlovic isn't the only defender Man United have their eyes on this summer, with Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly another option on their radar.
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The 18-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, becoming Werder's youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer in the process.
The defender's potential has been spotted before, with FourFourTwo even listing him as one of the best wonderkids in Football Manager 26 .
