Manchester United may look to use Harry Maguire as a makeweight in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to reports.
Branthwaite is said to be one of United's top targets in their first window under their new regime - with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada to work in tandem as they look to bring about a drastic overhaul at Old Trafford.
United's ability to splash the cash is likely to be severely restricted, however, with the club missing out on the Champions League and reeling from several unsuccessful - and expensive - forays into the transfer market in previous windows.
As a result, United's hierarchy may be forced to think creatively in their efforts to strengthen the squad and this could even extend to using players in partial swaps.
The Daily Star have claimed Maguire may be used as bait after United identified Branthwaite as a talented young player that could strengthen the spine of their side.
But Branthwaite, who is also attracting interest from several other clubs, is valued at around £70million and at present United appear unable to stretch to afford this.
Their case may be aided by Everton's financial flight, though. The club's takeover by 777 Partners remains unresolved and they could have to sell key players to avoid potential points deductions for Financial Fair Play and sustainability breaches.
It is said United are hopeful that by offering the experienced Maguire as part of their proposal, they may be able to tempt Everton into selling Branthwaite.
Whether Maguire would be receptive to the move remains unclear. Despite falling out of favour at United last season, he refused to join West Ham in the summer.
The 31-year-old has become a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag over the current campaign with United's backline decimated by a string of injury problems.
United believe Maguire could knock around £20m off Branthwaite's hefty price tag.
It was recently reported that United are open to selling the majority of their squad in an explosive fire sale this summer - and just three players are deemed off limits.
The Telegraph claimed that United are prepared to be brutal with potential outgoings at the end of the season as they brace for a drastic sell to buy policy.
Selling Marcus Rashford is an option, as first reported by Mail Sport's Chris Wheeler, while there is seemingly no long-term security over captain Bruno Fernandes.
Only Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have been spared from the chopping block, raising question marks over the future of Maguire.
Kinito_Kinny
0
I prefer Maguire
Betapidkin
1
Man united shouldn't make the mistake of using Harry maguire as a makeweight to bring in Branthwaite to old Trafford. Tho, Branthwaite is young and a talented player that has EPL experience but not upto the level of maturity that maguire possess at the national level and the club. And Lastly, Johnny Evan will say goodbye to old Trafford at the end of this season and we need someone like maguire to hold that role as one of the leaders in the team.
pieadeipty
3
nonsense. Maguire must stay
KIINGKREZZ
5
Maguire must stay , let this Braithewaite partner him or lisandro
Doclnouyz
6
Leave Maguire alone. Everyone noticed that he had regained the pleasure of playing
sikudouglas
3
I think they should get rid of the butcher rather than Maguire,that guy though good but will never stay fit
rupanrstyz
4
maguire is our entertainer
quantized
3
makeweight for Braithwaite. nice rhymes.
handkmnrt
2
Maguire is best
funaeinpty
4
kindly leave Maguire alone
bamadiloty
2
Maguire 🤣🤣🤣 you are being embarrassed here, you being used as bait 🤣🤣🤣
yaabdikpt
1
Use Varane together with Lindelop and Dapoti not our improved and reliable Maguire, no doubt he has done his part this season
Kesadlor
3
100M + Maguire is the way
dicbckps
4
Use Varane not Maguire
AzizAluke
3
United must sell Rashford before anyone else
Ropbdilnou
2
This guy no good Cole Palmer waste product and Halaand waste product also
jipceiloyz
3
Buy Hamer from Sheff United. He will be a bargain and great buy.
Nnaemeka123
4
This man United will always be stupid ,using maguire for who?na wa ooh
moneklsy
1
We need Antonio Silva and Todibo
Daphoenix23
0
Ridiculous to sell Maguire, instead of Lindelof. We need to sell Lindelof as Varane leaving on free. Need 2 CB in Todibo & Marc Guehi/ Braithwaite. Maguire by far has been our go to man regarding defensive duty. He along with Martinez with Kambwala & two cb will be good for United.
Absolutely… Just my thoughts exactly
Daphoenix23
2
God forbid ooooo… We don’t need him ooo.. Get us TODIBO from NICE and get us GUEHI from palace or The kid from Sporting lisbon (can’t remember his name as I type)
zutbklnsuy
3
Ridiculous to sell Maguire, instead of Lindelof. We need to sell Lindelof as Varane leaving on free. Need 2 CB in Todibo & Marc Guehi/ Braithwaite. Maguire by far has been our go to man regarding defensive duty. He along with Martinez with Kambwala & two cb will be good for United.
Bouaeiosuy
4
Use Lindelof not Maguire
Zoaabdeitz
1
BETTER