Manchester United could be in the market for a new central defender in the summer transfer window, if contract talks with Harry Maguire do not lead to a renewal.
United's main priority in the summer transfer window is a central midfielder - or two - with Brazilian Casemiro departing Old Trafford at the end of his current contract.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Elliot Anderson are high on their shortlist of players to fulfil that midfield role, but central defence is another position they could look to strengthen too.
Harry Maguire In Talks Over New Manchester United Contract
harry maguire
Like Casemiro, Maguire's current contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season, although there have been discussions over extending for another year, with the option of a further season on top.
Maguire explained earlier this week: "There’s been talks. I think we’ll reach an agreement where it’s best for the club and myself. What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks.
"But I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. But I think it will – it should – get sorted pretty soon."
Maguire's quote saying "whether I stay or leave" is the interesting one, as, despite talks, he clearly does not know what the future will hold for him.
And that could lead to United looking in the market for a younger replacement.
One player with a wealth of Premier League experience who could be on the move this summer is Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.
With Spurs teetering on the brink of relegation from the top flight, there is expected to be huge upheaval in north London this summer, with a new co-sporting director and new head coach to come in before squad changes are made.
Paul Scholes Loves Cristian Romero
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes
Romero has long been linked with an exit from the Lilywhites and has the seal of approval of one United legend - Paul Scholes.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad And The Football podcast, Scholes said: "Do you know what? I love him. I love watching him play football.
"He’s p*****d off at Spurs, isn’t he? He doesn’t want to be there. He’s having a go at the crowd, he’s having a go at the board, I think his head has checked out a little bit.
"But I would love him at Manchester United. I just love his character."
Tottenham are likely to demand a fee in the region of £60million to let the Argentinian World Cup winner leave this summer, which is unlikely to put United off making a move. They splashed out £80million to sign Maguire in 2019, which was then a world-record fee for a defender.
Romero would be a younger, more athletic upgrade on Maguire, with almost as many goals as the Englishman in the Premier League in less than half as many appearances, showing he can do it in both boxes as well.
Cristian Romero Could Be The True Heir To Roy Keane At Manchester United
Cristian Romero
Romero has often come under fire for his temperament, but he can be compared to a Manchester United legend in that regard in Roy Keane. Like Keane, the 'world-class' Romero is a passionate character, playing with his heart on his sleeve and sometimes playing on the edge of what is far and what is not.
He is a divisive character on and off the pitch, just like Keane and would certainly be a contender to be the true successor to the Irishman, should he sign for United.
Argentina teammates Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister have both previously described Romero as the "best defender in the world" and signing him from their Premier League rivals would be a real statement of intent from United.
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