According to Corriere dello Sport, United are ready to submit a formal bid for the 24-year-old when the summer window opens. The Italian outlet describes Pavlovic as having enjoyed an "excellent season," and United are understood to view him as a priority left-sided defensive target to complement Harry Maguire and address uncertainty around the fitness of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez.
Pavlovic joined AC Milan from RB Salzburg for €18 million in the summer of 2024, and after a difficult first season has established himself as a key figure under Massimiliano Allegri. He has made 36 appearances this season, contributing five goals, and draws comparisons to former United and Serbia legend Nemanja Vidić in terms of physical profile — 6ft 4in, dominant aerially and aggressive in the challenge.
Milan's official position is that Pavlovic is not for sale. The club have placed a "not for sale" designation on him, valuing him between €40-50 million and viewing him as a central building block. However, financial realities may force their hand. Milan sit fourth in Serie A, level on 67 points with fifth-placed Roma, with two games remaining.
Missing the Champions League for a second consecutive season would cost the club an estimated €90 million in revenue — a shortfall that would likely force major asset sales in the summer. Theo Hernández was sold in similar circumstances last year.
Chelsea are also in the picture and are currently considered the frontrunners by some Italian sources, with Pavlovic identified as a potential replacement for Benoît Badiashile. Crystal Palace, who have been without a settled left-sided centre-back since Marc Guéhi's departure, have already made preliminary enquiries.
Milan have reportedly identified Lazio's Mario Gila as a replacement should Pavlovic leave.
United's defensive priorities this summer are primarily midfield — Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are expected to leave — but a left-footed centre-back has been on the club's agenda since January. Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton remains a longer-standing target. Whether United pursue Pavlovic as a primary or secondary option will likely depend on how Milan's final two games, away at Genoa and then hosting Cagliari, unfold.