Man Utd reportedly ‘fear’ that they will be forced to take a £40m ‘hit’ on Harry Maguire if the defender leaves the club in the summer.
It does feel like this season will be Maguire’s last as a Man Utd player.
The defender initially impressed for United after his £80m move from Leicester City. He was named captain of the Red Devils during his debut campaign.
But Maguire was one of United’s weaker performers last term and he was subject to heavy criticism from fans and pundits.
Erik ten Hag took over at Man Utd in the summer and he has often preferred to use Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre-back when both players have been fit.
This has left Maguire down the pecking order and Luke Shaw has even been preferred at centre-back over his England teammate since the World Cup.
The Red Devils have progressed this term under Ten Hag and he is ‘intent on a clear-out’ this summer as he attempts to move Man Utd to the next level.
The Daily Mail are now reporting that ‘Man Utd fear they could take a £40m hit on Maguire if he leaves Old Trafford’ during this summer’s transfer window.
There is said to be a ‘growing acceptance on both sides that Maguire will move on at the end of the season’.
The report adds that Maguire’s five starts in the league this term are ‘simply not enough’ so the Red Devils will be ‘open to offers’ when the transfer window opens up.
It is indicated that United hope to receive an offer of around £40m for the centre-back, who remains under contract until 2025.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that Newcastle should look to sign Maguire.
“He has a good future somewhere else because he’s still a great talent,” Murphy said last month.
“He’s got leadership qualities, he’s learnt at United. Yes, he’s had a little bad spell but a lot of it has been good.
“He’s done brilliantly on the international stage at big tournaments, he’s great on set-plays, he’s a good character.
“He’s not a ‘big time Charlie’, he’s humble, he looks like a great lad, good family, good support network around him. He’s going to have many takers.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if someone like Eddie Howe went for Maguire as another choice for them. A club like Newcastle could do a lot worse than get someone like Maguire.
“His Manchester United career is done. I think it’s done. Not because he can’t do a job there but because sometimes managers go another way. It looks like Erik ten Hag prefers other players.”
Declan Rice reaction to being offered Man Utd mug speaks volumes about transfer chance
Declan Rice continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United amid talk over his West Ham future and revealed his loyalty ahead of presenting an award at the latest iteration of the BRITs
Declan Rice did not attempt to hide his thoughts on a move to Manchester United following an intriguing meeting at the BRITs.
The West Ham midfielder was in attendance at The O2 on Saturday evening to present an award, just hours after his side’s controversial 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the London Stadium. He was on hand to help with the Best Hip Hop, Grime and Rap Act- and despite having given his backing to Stormzy, Rice handed the award over to Aitch.
But before the ceremony itself, the midfielder was at the heart of an intriguing interview with presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg.
The 24-year-old was offered a number of souvenirs including a packet of Monster Munch and a chicken nugget. Dimoldenberg then appeared to weigh in on Rice’s future on the pitch by saying: “I do have a Manchester United mug…”
That offer instantly triggered a shake of the head from the England star before he replied: “Not for me, that.” The pair then displayed their affection for Rice’s current employers with a rendition of “Up the Hammers” each.
Rice’s current stance on United appears to be a slight U-turn on his latest thoughts on the Red Devils. He was previously complimentary of United’s Old Trafford home.
Declan Rice continues to be linked with a move away from West Ham ( Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s inspiring for sure – it’s Old Trafford. You think of the heritage, the big games that have been here, the top players that have played here.
“You want to come here as a player and stamp your mark and stamp your authority – one to get a win, and two to play well yourself.”
United could face a fair amount of competition for the signing of Rice should they attempt to make a move sooner rather than later. Chelsea have been noted as long-term admirers of the midfielder in the past although it remains to be seen whether they make a move following the record-breaking signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Elsewhere, it has been suggested that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is prioritising a swoop for Rice in the upcoming summer window with Champions League football likely to be on offer at the Emirates Stadium next term. It also remains to be seen what league his current employers West Ham will be in next season with the Hammers currently embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Rice has made 28 appearances for David Moyes’ men this term in all competitions, scoring just one goal. He could potentially be on the move sooner rather than later with just 18 months remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium.
It is suggested that it would take a record-breaking bid of £120m to secure his signature.
Source: mirror.co.uk; football365.com
