Man Utd to spark swap transfer as Ten Hag considers letting Harry Maguire leave
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.
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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.
Harry Maguire made a rare Man Utd start in the FA Cup victory against Reading on Saturday (AFP via Getty Images)Have Your Say! Would joining Inter on loan be a good move for Maguire? Tell us what you think here.
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.
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