Marseille line up Inter full-back Benjamin Pavard as alternative option to €30m Club Brugge defender

Marseille have kept tabs on Ordonez all summer. The French club hold the Ecuadorian defender in high regards and see him as a successor to club captain Leonardo Balerdi. However, should a move for the Ecuadorian fail due to Brugge's demands, the Ligue 1 side have also scouted ex-Bayern Munich defender Pavard as an alternative, according to L'Equipe. Brugge have recently qualified for the Champions League after beating Rangers in the play-offs and can afford to hold on to Ordonez for the upcoming season.

The Ligue 1 side's negotiations with the Belgian club have also not progressed that well with disagreement surrounding majorly towards his price tag of around €30 million (£26m/$35m). On the player's side, Ordonez is excited by Marseille's project and the plan they have for him. However, Pavard, who has played for Inter in some of the major game's including the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, is considered a good alternative. The chances of him being signed will further increase if he is not called up for the national team next month.

Pavard joined Inter from Bayern Munich in 2023. The French defender started 13 matches and appeared in a total of 23 matches for Inter last season. The French defender spent time on the sidelines after his ankle injury in April. However, the ex-Stuttgart player is considered a first-choice defender for Inter, especially in major European and league games. Pavard's contract with Inter runs until 2028.

Marseille and Inter are on good terms and the board also approves Pavard. Coach Roberto De Zerbi's staff has currently kept him under surveillance. However, the player's high wages is the only concern and can be an issue when finalising the deal.