Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may allow Harry Maguire to join Inter as the Italian giants scramble to secure a replacement for Paris Saint-Germain-bound Milan Skriniar.
The Nerazzurri have identified Maguire as a potential replacement for the Slovakian international and believe they could finance a loan move for Maguire for the remainder of the campaign. That would allow the club to secure a fee for Skriniar, who has a pre-contract agreement in place with PSG.
Indeed it is claimed that Inter could secure a £17million fee for Skriniar’s exit, allowing them to fund a move for Maguire and make a handsome profit from the deal despite the delicacy of his contractual situation.
Inter are currently second in Serie A but are a whopping 13 points from runaway league leaders Napoli and instead may be focusing on their Champions League campaign. The Italian giants have a Round of 16 clash against FC Porto in a tie which is likely to be finely balanced.
The exit of Skriniar would leave a notable hole in the heart of their defence but Maguire, who has not played in the competition this season and would be able to be instantly registered for the competition – could step in.
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi deploys a 3-5-2 formation – similar to the system that Maguire has enjoyed so much at international level for England. It is thought that being part of a three gives the United captain greater license to carry the ball forward as it covers his deficiencies.
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Furthermore, the lower intensity of Serie A compared to the Premier League may benefit the former Leicester defender – who often is caught in possession. Ten Hag will not shift from his defensive back four shape.
Maguire has made it clear he doesn't want to be a squad player, having long been a regular at United and his previous clubs. He said after Saturday’s win over Reading, in which he stated: "I'm 29 and haven't really been in this position in my career before. I don't want to get used to it but it is part and parcel of football.
"I’m pushing, training well, and when the chance comes, I need to take it. The lads who have been playing have been doing well. I have to be ready when my chance comes."
Club captain Maguire has been usurped by the arrival of Lisandro Martinez who is now the first-choice defensive partner of Raphael Varane. Victor Lindelof is another serviceable option while Phil Jones has yet to play a game under Ten Hag this campaign.
Maguire has started just four Premier League games – while being used from the start just once in the club’s Europa League campaign – and does not appear likely to be deployed heavily in the closing months of the campaign barring injuries.
