Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Manchester United reach decision on Harry Maguire future amid shock talk of Chelsea swap

Man Utd centre-back Harry Maguire

What Man Utd plan to do with Harry Maguire amid surprise talk of a move to Chelsea that could bring Christian Pulisic the other way has emerged.

The 29-year-old remains the world’s most expensive defender. United forked out £80m to sign Maguire when acquiring him from Leicester in 2019. Three years on, that record could be broken once again and could involve the Foxes a second time.

Indeed, Chelsea are pushing to sign Wesley Fofana who Leicester value around the £85m mark. Fofana was left out of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday amid concerns his head is not in the right place. The Frenchman has let Leicester know of his desire to join Chelsea.

However, there is less than two weeks to go until the September 1 deadline slams shut. Chelsea must have alternatives in mind if they fail to land Fofana, and that’s where Maguire comes in.

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire, was on their radar.

That came amid speculation Maguire could lose his place in the starting eleven against Liverpool on Monday night. Raphael Varane is pushing for a recall and could be chosen to partner Lisandro Msrtinez.

Chelsea’s interest in Maguire comes at a time when United are monitoring Christian Pulisic.

The USA international wants more regular game-time with the World Cup on the horizon and Chelsea were reported by the Athletic to be open to loaning him out – even if it were to Old Trafford.

Man Utd stand firm on Harry Maguire

The possibility of some type of swap was floated, though according to Sky Sports, Manchester United are having none of it.

Firstly, they report United have not received any formal offers for Maguire. Secondly, they note their sources have told them United’s stance is Maguire is ‘not for sale’.

Presumably that also rules out the idea of a loan exit. Indeed, with Eric Bailly closing in on a move to Marseille, there appears little sense in losing Maguire too.

The thought of Maguire joining Chelsea always appeared fanciful. The latest development will likely stiffen the Blues’ resolve to sign Fofana, something that may help Leicester to set a second new world record for a defender.