Man Utd transfer depends on Harry Maguire as ‘contacts informed’ over £26m deal

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Manchester United have set their sights on a centre-back target in case Harry Maguire leaves the club in the summer transfer window, according to reports. Erik ten Hag would have to replace Maguire – linked with a move away from Old Trafford – and has landed on a potential candidate.

The 30-year-old is Ten Hag’s fourth-choice central defender behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof.

After making just eight Premier League starts last season, Maguire has been considered up for sale and was stripped of the captaincy earlier this summer.

West Ham United have seen a loan offer and £20million bid rejected for the England international, with David Moyes the driving force behind the pursuit.

But the Hammers are reportedly expected to return to the frame for Maguire’s signature, prompting United to consider potential replacements.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have been in contact with OGC Nice, so they’re informed of a possible deal for Jean-Clair Todibo.

There haven’t yet been any concrete transfer discussions or bids as Ten Hag waits to see if United receive a suitable approach for Maguire.

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The report suggests United may have a free run at Todibo – valued at £26m on transfermarkt – after Serie A giants Juventus left the race last week.

But any move would only be triggered if Maguire leaves Old Trafford in the coming weeks, ending a rocky four-year stint after joining as the world’s most expensive defender in 2019.

Ten Hag made it clear that Maguire didn’t fit in his plans throughout his maiden season in England, often selecting Luke Shaw at centre-back when he needed cover, leaving the £80m man on the bench.

But with Euro 2024 on the horizon, Maguire can’t afford to endure another season predominantly on the sidelines and risk falling out of favour with Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.

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The England international had a horror moment in United’s final pre-season fixture on Sunday, a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club in Dublin.

Maguire started in a second-string side after Ten Hag named his strongest team against RC Lens at Old Trafford a day earlier.

But sloppiness on the ball led to the La Liga side’s first-half opener, a goal Ten Hag described as “stupid” after full-time.

“It was a stupid goal,” the Dutchman told MUTV. “We went down, but we scored [late on]. We showed character, and we need that for the season.”

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