Chelsea eye a SHOCK swoop for struggling Man United & England defender Maguire

Chelsea have made a shock enquiry about Harry Maguire’s availability amid growing doubt over the central defender’s future at Manchester United.

The England international - who is sweating on his place in United’s team for Monday’s crunch clash against Liverpool - is of interest to the Stamford Bridge club as they toil to complete a deal for Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.

And Sportsmail has learned that Chelsea have raised the possibility of taking Maguire to west London as part of United’s attempts to sign Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic.

It is understood a move for Fofana remains the Blues’ priority, and there was growing optimism today that a deal for the French defender could finally take place next week after the centre-half requested to be left out of Leicester's game against Southampton tomorrow.

Nevertheless, their interest in Maguire comes as a hugely interesting development amid growing uncertainty over the centre-back’s position in Eric ten Hag’s plans.

There has been suggestions that Maguire’s position in ten Hag’s starting XI could be in jeopardy for the game against Jurgen Klopp’s side following United’s poor start to the season.

Sportsmail understands that is an option that has been seriously considered.

United’s first two matches of the season have both ended in defeat - a 2-1 home loss to Brighton on the opening day before last weekend’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Brentford.

ten Hag is understood to be plotting changes to his team for the visit of Liverpool as he looks to trigger a response from his squad.

And Maguire’s place in the team is understood to be under threat with Raphael Varane - who has started the season on the bench - pushing for a return to the team. ten Hag will make a final decision in the next 24 hours.

If Maguire is withdrawn from the starting XI, it would raise major doubts over his future at United under ten Hag.

And with the World Cup just three months away, the prospect of playing a peripheral role at United is likely to concern Maguire.

Meanwhile, United are set to complete the £51million of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro.

The Brazilian was finalising his move to Old Trafford today after informing Real chiefs that he wanted to leave for the Premier League.

In confirming the move, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said: 'I have spoken to him and he wants to try something new.

'The club is being understanding because of the type of person that Casemiro is.'