Fallen Man Utd star to choose from West Ham, Aston Villa and three Euro giants, as Ten Hag ‘lines up’ worthy replacement

A senior Man Utd star won’t lack for escape routes after a report detailed five clubs ready to pounce and who Erik ten Hag is sizing up as his replacement.

Whether Man Utd are able to pursue the calibre of targets they crave could hinge on whether the Glazer family are bought out. If the unpopular American owners retain their grip on United, the Telegraph are one of many outlets who’ve reported United must sell well before spending big.

To that end, the Manchester Evening News previously reported a trio signed for £153m have been put up for sale. The headline name on the list is club captain, Harry Maguire.

talkSPORT and Mail Plus later echoed the claims Maguire is on the chopping block. The latter stressed United are resigned to recouping just half the £80m they paid Leicester in 2019.

Maguire has tumbled down the pecking order this term following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine has struck up a formidable partnership with Raphael Varane, and Ten Hag has even selected Luke Shaw out of position in a central role when Martinez has missed out.

Now aged 30 and with one eye on starting for England at Euro 2024, Maguire may soon realise an Old Trafford exit is the best course of action.

Of course, United won’t sell a tried and tested player without first lining up a direct replacement.

Napoli’s Kim Min-jae has been heavily linked and his contract contains a release clause worth just under €50m that can be activated at the beginning of July.

However, according to the Mirror, Ten Hag has ‘lined up’ a more familiar face in Ajax’s Jurrien Timber.

The Dutch international is well known to Ten Hag through his time in Amsterdam and was pursued by United last summer.

Timber ultimately remained in the Netherlands, though it could be a different story 12 months on.

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Five options open to Harry Maguire

Regarding Maguire, the Mirror name West Ham and Aston Villa as viable escape routes if he wishes to remain in England. Alternatively, PSG, Inter Milan and Roma will be in the mix from further afield.

ESPN previously reported West Ham showed interest in Maguire in January. However, United had zero intention of cashing in mid-way through the season.

The Hammers could soon have cash to spend if Declan Rice makes way this summer. Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners for his signature at present, though competition will come from Chelsea.

Alternatively, Villa are mentioned, with Unai Emery’s side expected to splash the cash this summer after ambitious January transfer plans fell flat.

Inter and PSG are named primarily because of who will leave those clubs this summer.

Milan Skriniar is leaving Inter to join PSG, while Sergio Ramos’ unsuccessful stint in Paris will conclude at season’s end. Even with Skriniar arriving, PSG’s defensive frailties have been shown up this term.

Roma are the final club Maguire might be able to choose from, per the report. They’re managed by Jose Mourinho who’s enjoyed great success through signing Premier League misfits.

Both Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham have excelled in Rome, while Mourinho also took a punt on Nemanja Matic after he left Old Trafford last summer.

READ MORE: Man Utd could finally secure signing of Ten Hag favourite with Man City set to give them an unexpected boost