According to the Sun, Chelsea are planning a potential transfer move for Harry Maguire, as the defender is now reportedly eager to leave Manchester United in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Maguire had initially expressed his determination to compete for his place at Old Trafford despite facing reduced playing time under manager Erik ten Hag last season.
However, Ten Hag has now removed Maguire from the captaincy at United ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Following a meeting with Ten Hag on Sunday, Maguire is reportedly disappointed after being informed that he will no longer hold the captaincy at United.
Bruno Fernandes, who previously captained United in Maguire’s absence last season, is the frontrunner to assume the armband on a permanent basis.
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This development has apparently led Maguire to consider leaving the club during the current summer transfer window.
Clubs like Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham, and Newcastle United are already started to show interest in the English star.
As the Blues looks to bolster their midfield following a summer clearout, they are also considering the signing of a defender, with Maguire emerging as a surprise target.
However, they face competition from Tottenham, as manager Ange Postecoglou is also in the market for defensive reinforcements and has shown interest in the former Leicester City star.
United had initially demanded £50 million for Maguire’s transfer, but the asking price could potentially drop to £30 million as the club aims to offload him this summer.
Despite having a contract with United until 2025, the defender is not in Ten Hag’s plans, making a move away from Old Trafford the best option for all parties involved.
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The defender has slipped down the pecking order with the arrivals of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, as well as the presence of Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw.
Maguire, who joined United from Leicester in 2019, made 31 appearances across all competitions last season. With limited playing time expected at Old Trafford in the upcoming campaign, the England international looks poised to make a move this summer.
