Manchester United are keen to offload either Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire this summer.
The Red Devils endured a horrific season defensively last time around, shipping a record number of goals and finishing their Premier League campaign on a negative goal difference.
On top of that, lynchpin Raphael Varane did not accept the club’s offer of a new deal and has now left United, with veteran Jonny Evans also out of contract as things stand.
Reports that United are looking to potentially bring in two centre backs therefore seemed logical as they seek to replace the two outgoing stars.
However, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, while Evans may yet still be given a new deal, United are actively looking to offload at least one of the two longest-serving centre backs.
Dawson writes that “United are open to offers for Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire this summer.
“Fenerbahce are interested in Lindelof, who has a year left on his contract, but there has not yet been a formal approach to United.
“The club remains in talks with Jonny Evans about a new contract. If Lindelof or Maguire leave, United will push to bring in two centre-backs.”
While never specifically named on the “untouchables” list of players who would not be sold under any circumstances, Maguire had seemed relatively safe from the chop, especially as compared to last summer.
Dreadful form throughout 2022/23 left the England man tantalizingly close to a switch to West Ham, which he reportedly refused.
However, 2023/24 saw something of a renaissance for the 31-year-old who, without being spectacular, did at least become one of the steadier members of the United back line.
It may be that the players left in the frame as incoming transfers, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, might have caused United to push Maguire up toward the top of the transfer list.
Both could be said to be similar in style to the former Leicester man, in being tall and not particularly fast players who like to carry the ball out of defense. If Erik ten Hag wants to have some different profiles available, then arguably Lindelof, who is more spatially aware and has a better passing range, offers more of a contrast to the intended incomers.
There is also the issue of Maguire having a much higher salary (£190,000 per week) than either Lindelof (£120,000 pw) or Evans (£65,000 pw) (source: capology.com).
As for interest, Lindelof’s name has cropped up frequently of late, but there have been no major reports linking Maguire with an exit since claims of West Ham preparing a new £15m attempt emerged in March.
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