Manchester United are expected to look at signing a new centre-back next summer if Harry Maguire leaves the club.
Last season Manchester United triggered the extension in Harry Maguire’s contract, keeping the former club captain a further 12 months.
Maguire is among United’s best paid players and when his current deal expires in June 2026 there is a chance he will leave on a free transfer.
After losing Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans this past summer, Maguire’s exit would prompt United to head into the transfer market to acquire a replacement.
Manchester United yet to make Maguire decision
Manchester United are yet to make a firm decision on Harry Maguire’s contract, with the club also in no rush to do so in early October.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey tells United In Focus: “As it stands no decision has been made on Maguire by the club. Maguire loves United and is not in a hurry to leave.
“There is interest for him both in England and abroad. It’s a decision that doesn’t need to be made yet.
“Maguire thought his United career was over more than 12-months ago, but he is still contributing.”
Maguire is not a first choice for Manchester United, but he has played in seven of eight games in all competitions this season, starting three.
But with Lisandro Martinez set to return from injury and Ayden Heaven continuing to develop, Maguire’s minutes could become more sparse as the campaign goes on.
Maguire came close to leaving United in 2023, and was also being tipped to leave United before his extension last year when Erik ten Hag was still manager.
Manchester United eyeing Marc Guehi
While it is early days in terms of the club’s transfer plans being nailed down, Manchester United do have one potential name in mind.
United In Focus understands that Manchester United are admirers of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who will be available on a free transfer next summer.
Bailey explains: “In terms of who United like, they are one of the clubs in for Marc Guehi. But they know it would be a tough sell at this point.”
Guehi was on the verge of a transfer deadline day move to Liverpool, which fell through as Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner did not want to lose him without a replacement.
Since his deal fell through, Guehi has subsequently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, via The Sun.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s top performers, and would be a worthy Maguire replacement.
United face a serious battle to land Guehi, but this past summer demonstrated United’s ability to beat the rest of the league to top targets, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all turning down multiple clubs to join the Red Devils.
The previous year United also beat Real Madrid to the signature of Leny Yoro. The potential of a move for Marc Guehi should not be dismissed.
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