Man City and Man United are both interested in Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, according to Sport Bild reporter Tobias Altschaffl.

Asked about recent rumours linking the 5-cap German international with a move to the Premier League, Altschaffl revealed that the speculation is accurate, with intermediaries having already made contact with Pavlovic’s entourage:

“For the English [clubs], this is absolutely true. It is known that middlemen have approached the Pavlovic side. They’d like to get Pavlovic. At City, he’s even higher on the list [than United].”

“I’ve noticed last [week], physically he’s getting better and better, he has sovereignty in the game. His services would be in high demand in England.”

Man City think he could replace Rodri

Sport Bild believe that, due to the position that Pavlovic normally plays, it is likely that Pep Guardiola’s side have identified him as Rodri’s successor.

The Spanish international has had his fair share of injury problems over the last twelve months, and he will be 30 at the end of this season, so finding a long-term replacement should be on the agenda.

Pavlovic is not looking to leave Bayern Munich

While City may believe that the 21-year-old has all the attributes to succeed Rodri, they will need to persuade the player first. Altschaffl says that, even though English teams want him, Pavlovic has given no indication that he is seeking a transfer away from the Allianz Arena:

“At the moment, a change is not an issue for him, but for the future, he is a hot iron for the Premier League.”

Pavlovic’s transfer stance means that this move is unlikely to happen anytime soon, but City are clearly fans of his, and they will continue to monitor his progress. His contract at Bayern runs until the summer of 2029.

Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here