Man Utd target Bundesliga duo after accepting Harry Maguire bid | Football

Advertisement

Erik ten Hag wants to bring in a new centre-back (Pictures: Getty Images)

Manchester United are exploring three potential options to replace Harry Maguire after accepting a bid worth £30million from West Ham for their axed skipper.

The 30-year-old has fallen dramatically down the pecking order since Erik ten Hag took over at Old Trafford and is effectively the club’s fifth-choice centre-back now.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are Ten Hag’s preferred centre-back pairing, while Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw were both picked ahead of Maguire.

There had been suggestions the England international wanted to stay and fight for his place at United, but he now looks increasingly likely to move to east London with personal terms currently being discussed.

Although Maguire only started eight times in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag feels he needs a fourth out-and-out centre-back in his squad and will look to replace the former Leicester City man.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have already drawn up a list of three potential options.

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is chief among the players being considered and the Red Devils’ hierarchy have already reached out to be informed of the conditions of any potential deal.

Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard

Bayern Munich are open to letting Pavard leave this summer (Picture: Getty)

The 23-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona, is likely to cost around £26m but he is not the only option being explored.

United are also working on a potential deal for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel following the arrival of Kim Min-jae.

Ten Hag is particularly attracted to Pavard’s versatility, with the Frenchman capable of playing at full-back as well as centre-back – something he has done frequently for the national team.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba rounds out the three-man shortlist, though the German side are demanding a big fee for the centre-back which has prevented long-time suitors Tottenham from completing a deal.

Asked this week by Sky Sports if he would target a replacement for Maguire, Ten Hag said: ‘We never speak about what could happen.

‘We need all positions available, you need the competition in. You always have to deal with suspensions and injuries and form.’

He added: ‘I’m happy with the squad, and I want a strong squad, and I want competition in the squad.

‘So I’m happy with the current players that are in, so when we go with this squad into the season that’s fine.’


MORE : Rasmus Hojlund’s injury revealed as fears emerge over Manchester United striker’s workload


MORE : Manchester United accept West Ham bid for Harry Maguire after rejecting Scott McTominay offer

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, 
Twitter and Instagram.

Manchester United

Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com


LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here