Manchester United have opened informal talks with Harry Maguire over a one-year extension, talkSPORT understands.
Talks are yet to reach a formal stage but Maguire would prefer clarity before the January window opens, when he is eligible to sign a pre-agreement with an overseas club.
Maguire ended Man United's longest-ever drought at Anfield with an 84th-minute winner
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Maguire ended Man United's longest-ever drought at Anfield with an 84th-minute winnerCredit: Getty
Man United value Maguire both on and off the field. Despite being stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag, the England defender remains part of the players’ leadership team.
He underlined his importance with a late winner over Liverpool on Sunday, handing the Red Devils their first victory at Anfield since January 2016.
Maguire is understood to be open to extending, but any new deal is expected to be short-term and require the 32-year-old to take a pay cut.
The 32-year-old is currently one of the top five earners at Old Trafford on a wage of around £190k-per-week.
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talkSPORT understands Maguire wants clarity sooner rather than later, allowing him to focus on his football as he bids to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup.
Sources within United stress no decision on extending Maguire has yet been made, but it is likely a formal offer will be forthcoming.
United's perspective is that offering Maguire a new contract, providing reduced financial terms can be agreed, allows the club to either keep an important player and leader or simply protect his value ahead of the summer.
Under the latter scenario, a sale would still be considered if Maguire decided it was best for his career to leave.
Harry Maguire next club
Maguire does not currently have concrete options away from Old Trafford. He has been on Saudi Arabia's radar since 2023, with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr showing some initial interest.
Maguire dropped a hint about his future while reacting to his Anfield winner
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Maguire dropped a hint about his future while reacting to his Anfield winner
MLS side New York Red Bulls have also held exploratory talks with Magure's camp.
It’s believed Maguire is not currently sold on a move outside of England or Europe, still feeling there will be clubs in the big five leagues interested in his signature, including from within the Premier League.
West Ham had a genuine interest in summer 2023, and even agreed a£30million dealwith United before talks broke down.
Maguire and United might not yet be close to locking in an extension, but there is a willingness on both sides to advance talks further, and clarity could yet come before the year is out.
Maguire wants new Man United deal
talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealed in his transfer notebook this month that Maguire was eyeing fresh terms.
Maguire justified his inclusion in Amorim's line-up to lift United into ninth spot
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Maguire justified his inclusion in Amorim's line-up to lift United into ninth spotCredit: Getty
By the end of the season, the England international will have played around 200 Premier League games for United.
However, he is no longer a guaranteed starter, and Maguire even admitted that Sunday could have been his last appearance for the club at Liverpool.
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"I've been here seven years now, so it's been tough for the seven years not getting that win," he said in the Anfield mixed zone.
"It's been on my mind a little bit, to be honest. I'm in my last year now, so this could be the last time I played at Anfield for this club, so it's really important that I've come here and tick that one off because it has been playing on my mind."