Harry Maguire is edging closer to leaving Manchester United after four years at the club, having slipped down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag over the last 12 months.
Ten Hag’s decision to demote Maguire from captain was the final nail in the coffin for the England international, who is now closing in on a move to join David Moyes at West Ham.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolves, Ten Hag insisted that Maguire remains available but it would be a surprise to see him involved in any capacity.
Now, journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation, insisting that although Maguire is yet to agree personal terms with the Hammers, that is not believed to be an issue.
“From what I am being told, Harry Maguire has yet to agree personal terms with West Ham but that will not be a problem,” Romano told CaughtOffside.
“West Ham have already reached an agreement with Man United, which was confirmed by David Moyes at his press conference on Friday, so the London club feel like this deal will get done.”
United are not particularly well-stocked in that area of the pitch, with Eric Bailly also expected to depart the club before the end of the month.
According to Romano, United are yet to sign off on the deal as they are monitoring two potential replacements, with Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard among the options to replace Maguire.
“However, it is my understanding that United want to wait and see who will be the replacement for their former captain before letting him leave Old Trafford this summer,” he continued.
“Man United had scouts watching Jean-Clair Todibo on Friday night and they are also keeping an eye on the situation of Pavard at Bayern Munich – as the player wants to leave.”
As things stand, United will go into the season with just three available senior centre-backs – Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof. Ten Hag will be desperate to add some depth before signing off on any departures.
