After the season is over, Harry Maguire will speak with Erik ten Hag about his future with Manchester United, according to sources who spoke to ESPN.
With only 16 starts across all competitions and only eight in the Premier League, Maguire has had a difficult season at Old Trafford.
Maguire will consider his alternatives before deciding where to play for the upcoming season after falling behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order at center-back.
ESPN has learned from sources that United will consider all bids for the 30-year-old and that they expect West Ham United, who inquired about his availability during the January transfer window, to show interest.
According to insiders, Ten Hag is willing to keep Maguire on his team but is aware that the England defender might look to leave in order to play more frequently.
In response to a question concerning Maguire’s lack of playing time at United, manager Gareth Southgate said sharply that “it’s not a situation that can continue forever.” Maguire has been chosen in the England team for matches against North Macedonia and Malta in June.
Maguire’s deal at Old Trafford runs through 2025 with a further year’s option, and United will demand a sizeable sum for a player they acquired from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million.
Even if Maguire leaves, according to sources who spoke to ESPN, United’s priority this summer will not be to get another defender.
Although Ten Hag has long been interested in Jurrien Timber of Ajax, who can play both right and centre back, he believes that other areas of the team need to be strengthened first.
Along with Martinez and Varane, he also possesses Victor Lindelof, and when Martinez wasn’t available, Luke Shaw did a good job filling in at centre back.
Axel Tuanzebe will leave on a free transfer when his contract ends on June 30. Eric Bailly, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, is also expected to go.