Bayern Munich have sounded out an interest in West Ham United centre-half Thilo Kehrer as they look to replace Inter Milan-bound Benjamin Pavard, claims the Daily Mail.
According to multiple reports, Pavard is on the cusp of joining the Serie A giants in a deal worth an initial €30 million plus an additional €2m in bonuses.
The France international has been angling for a move away from the Allianz Arena despite being held in high regard by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Rumour has it he turned down a move to Premier League giants Manchester United in favour of joining Simone Inzaghi’s side that finished as runners-up in the Champions League last season.
Bayern’s search for a replacement is perhaps the only thing stalling Pavard’s move to Inter, with the Germans keen to land a new centre-back before sanctioning the transfer.
Die Rekordmeister have several players on their extensive shortlist, and Kehrer has emerged as an unlikely candidate to fill the void Pavard will leave at the heart of the defence.
With Mathijs de Ligt, Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano already vying for a starting berth, any other addition to the backline is likely to rank fourth in the pecking order.
However, Bayern are determined to add depth in that department and are considering a move for Kehrer, who is familiar with Tuchel, having worked with the German for two and a half years at Paris Saint-Germain.
A reunion could be on the cards, but Kehrer’s potential departure could leave West Ham short on options at the back.
Hammers boss David Moyes is fond of tinkering with his structure, but Kehrer can adapt to those changes as he is versatile enough to play at right-back or slot into a back three system.
West Ham have already bolstered their defence with the addition of Konstantinos Mavropanos, but Kehrer’s potential departure will only take them back where they started.
The Hammers will be reluctant to release the 26-year-old, but they can take consolation from the fact that he is not the only defender on Bayern’s radar.
