Bayern shortlist Milan defender Pierre Kalulu to replace Inter-bound Benjamin Pavard | OneFootball

Bayern Munich have cast a wider net on the transfer market in their quest to replace Inter Milan-bound Benjamin Pavard.

According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Die Rekordmeister are weighing up the possibility of agreeing a deal for AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu.

The German champions are determined to recruit a new centre-half before giving the green light for Pavard to complete his long-anticipated move to the Giuseppe Meazza.

Like Pavard, Kalulu is also versatile enough to feature as a centre-back and a right-back when required. But unlike his countryman, the Milan defender has no preference regarding his role at the back.

Kalulu made 46 appearances across all competitions for Milan last season but has started the 2023/24 Serie A campaign from the bench.

The 23-year-old was handed a 17-minute cameo during Milan’s 2-0 victory over Bologna on the opening weekend but was an unused substitute as they thrashed Torino 4-1 at the San Siro.

None of that confirms he would be open to a summer departure, but Bayern have done their due diligence on enquiring about the conditions required to strike a deal.

The Bundesliga heavyweights are yet to officially reach out to their Italian counterparts, but they are considering the prospect of a loan deal that could feature a purchase option.

Thomas Tuchel does not want to be left with a gaping hole in his defence when Pavard leaves, especially with the transfer window set to close at midnight on Friday.

Bayern have also been linked with a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has been heavily linked with a summer exit following the arrival of Axel Disasi.

The Englishman has spent the opening parts of the season nursing an injury he picked up during pre-season and is yet to make his competitive debut in the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Meanwhile, there has also been talk of a potential move for West Ham United’s Thilo Kehrer, who could be reunited with Tuchel at the Allianz Arena this summer.