Harry Maguire will stay at Manchester United despite West Ham United’s efforts to negotiate a loan deal for the defender, according to Fabrizio Romano. This news comes after reports that the Red Devils were considering a move for Jean Claire-Todibo from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, which is now in doubt following the bombshell report on the future of the club’s former captain.
Former Man Utd Captain Set to Stay
‘The Message is Very Clear’: Maguire Will Not Leave
David Moyes’ side had been in contact with Manchester United in an attempt to loan Maguire after their permanent transfer for the defender collapsed earlier this month. The centre-back and his club were unable to agree on a package to cover some of the wages he would have lost in a move to The London Stadium and as a result, the £30 million deal was cancelled.
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Erik ten Hag’s side have decided to reject West Ham’s fresh approach, as they felt that it was “too complicated” to find a replacement for the centre-back in the last three days of the transfer window, according to Romano.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel titled “Maguire Boom”, the journalist reported that United’s Financial Fair Play position would limit their ability to spend a substantial fee and pay high wages for a replacement for the defender. He goes on to state that “the message is very clear” from Manchester United that the England star will stay at the club this summer.
Man Utd Now Unlikely to Sign Jean-Claire Todibo
While the Red Devils had reportedly been set to sign former Barcelona prospect Todibo to replace Maguire, a deal for the 23-year-old now looks unlikely unless club bosses make a major U-turn on their former captain’s status in the final days of the transfer window.
Reports from Spanish outlet ElNacional have claimed that the Frenchman is valued at £43 million, which would make a deal hard to sanction without significant outgoings from the squad.
United fans may rue missing out on Todibo as he seems to be a perfect fit for the Premier League. He is an exceptional passer and has displayed the confidence to bring the ball forward into the midfield area. He has recorded an elite pass completion stat of 88.7% over the last year but has also displayed excellent defensive fundamentals as a strong tackler and interceptor of passes.
Man Utd Prioritising Midfield and Full Back Options
With Maguire set to stay and a deal for the French centre-back unlikely, Ten Hag’s side are understood to be prioritising a loan deal for Marc Cucurella to replace the injured Luke Shaw. They are also keen on a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, should their financial situation permit a permanent transfer.
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The club have only three days before the summer window ends to fill the gaps in their squad that have been exposed in their opening games of the season. Fans will be anxious to see whether their transfer business can set them up to compete for the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League.
Main Image Credit: Valery Ded via Wikimedia, CC BY 3.0
