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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Harry Maguire's five transfer options as Erik ten Hag already lines up Man Utd replacement

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire may well find himself on the lookout for a new club this summer, having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.

The England international began the campaign as one of United's starting centre-backs under Erik ten Hag, but the manager has largely preferred the pairing of Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez. With United linked with further reinforcements in the form of Martinez's former Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber, the writing could be on the wall for the England international.

While Maguire himself may want to stay and fight for his place, he will be well aware that Euro 2024 is on the horizon and a lack of minutes could harm his status in Gareth Southgate's international squad. With that in mind, Mirror Football has looked at a handful of other potential destinations for the 30-year-old.

West Ham

According to ESPN, West Ham expressed an interest in Maguire in January, only for the defender to decide to stay put. It could be a different story in the summer, though, especially if the defender's current club add to their ranks.

Veteran centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has started in the middle of three centre-backs on those occasions when Hammers boss David Moyes has used a back five, but the Italian is out of contract this summer. The Hammers did bring in young centre-back Luizao in January, but Moyes has made it clear he sees the former Sao Paulo man as one for the future.

Where should Harry Maguire move next? Have your say in the comments section

Harry Maguire was part of the Man Utd team which knocked West Ham out of this season's FA Cup (PA)

The big question, of course, concerns West Ham's survival. Moyes' team are currently in the bottom three, albeit having played fewer games than the teams above them, and Maguire would surely not entertain the idea of a season in the Championship.

Inter Milan

Another side linked in January were Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri were also reportedly sniffing around Maguire's team-mate Victor Lindelof, and a renewed push could be on the cards.

Inter already know they will need reinforcements at the back when Milan Skriniar leaves. The Slovakian will join Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, with the player confirming as much in January.

Inter are set to lose Milan Skriniar this summer (Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

A move to the San Siro could also give Maguire a route back into the Champions League. Inter currently sit third in Serie A, though Roma in fifth are just three points behind.

Roma

Speaking of Roma, Jose Mourinho has a decent track record at reviving the careers of former Premier League stars. Chris Smalling has excelled at the Olimpico, while Tammy Abraham and Nemanja Matic have both linked up with the ex-Man Utd boss.

The Giallorossi have one of the best defensive records in Serie A, with just 26 conceded this term, but are thought to be looking at central defensive options. The club reportedly sent scouts to watch Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite earlier this season, but Maguire would offer a more experienced alternative.

Maguire's compatriot Chris Smalling is thriving in Rome (Getty Images)

Money could be a stumbling block, though. Roma are unlikely to be able to match the England man's Old Trafford pay packet, but regular football in the league and Europe might be tempting.

Paris Saint-Germain

While Skriniar's arrival will boost PSG's ranks, questions remain about their defensive strength. Christophe Galtier's side have conceded in 11 of their 13 Ligue 1 games since the turn of the year, while also suffering elimination from the Coupe de France and Champions League.

For all their attacking strength, Les Parisiens have often looked unconvincing at the back. Additionally, with Sergio Ramos out of contract at the end of the season, the addition of an experienced head could help, though competition for places might leave Maguire feeling he's still better off at Old Trafford.

Sergio Ramos looks to be on the way out at PSG (AP)

An increasing number of English players have moved out to Ligue 1 of late, with Ross Barkley and Folarin Balogun among those to make the move in 2022. Maguire would also be following in the footsteps of former Man Utd star David Beckham, who ended his career at the Parc des Princes.

Aston Villa

If Maguire is to move elsewhere in the Premier League, there are a few clubs in solid enough financial shape and a few with the ambition to match the defender. Villa, in the midst of a revival under Unai Emery, may well tick both of these boxes.

Aston Villa have been without starting centre-back Diego Carlos for several months (Getty Images)

Much will hinge on the recovery of Diego Carlos from his long-term injury. The summer signing is on the verge of a return to action, having been an unused sub for Villa's last two games, and Emery has a chance to see how the Brazilian fits within his setup.

Beyond the ex-Sevilla man, Villa have a group of steady options including Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa. They have been linked with Maguire, though, and if they feel capable of helping him rediscover the form which prompted United to fork out £80m in 2019 then they may feel there's value to be had.

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