Man Utd ‘privately’ slash Tottenham, West Ham target’s asking price but deal is still ‘unachievable’

According to reports, Man Utd have reduced their asking price for Harry Maguire but a transfer is still considered to be ‘unachievable” at this stage.

Maguire’s future is in doubt heading into the 2023/24 campaign. Erik ten Hag is clearly not a big fan of the Englishman as the head coach preferred to use Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and even Luke Shaw at centre-back last season.

The defender will have to leave United this summer to ensure that he plays regularly in the months leading up to next summer’s European Championships.

United paid £85m to sign Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. He impressed for the Premier League giants initially but his performances have significantly declined over the past couple of seasons.

It goes to show how much his reputation has been hampered that United are struggling to offload him this summer.

His exit is necessary to fund moves for United’s own signings and it has been reported that they would like £50m for the experienced centre-back.

READ MORE: Are Man Utd wasting their time or is it reasonable to ask £50m for Harry Maguire?

But GiveMeSport are now reporting that ‘privately there have been mentions that £35million could be a target for Maguire’s transfer fee – yet some sources believe even that number will be unachievable’. They add.

‘Information from sources close to Old Trafford suggests United are about to become more active in finding Maguire a new club and intermediaries in the game have already been working on finding potential solutions.

‘Early expectation is that there will be no takers in the English top-flight unless Maguire is available at a heavily discounted rate and that the player accepts a big drop on personal terms.

‘Maguire earns in advance of £200,000-a-week courtesy of incremental rises over the course of his United career and there is a realisation they might have to take a hit on paying his deal off even if he is to find a new club.’

The report from GiveMeSport claims Tottenham and West Ham are both interested in the defender, while Serie A clubs are also monitoring his situation.

Last month, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Maguire’s agents want him to secure a move to Serie A.

“His agents believe a move to Italy would suit him and there is genuine interest from the likes of Juventus, Inter and Milan. His agents think first-team football ahead of the 2024 European Championship would be ideal,” Bailey said.

“And there is interest in England with Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham amongst those who would be keen to take him – but Maguire is in no hurry to leave.”

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