Everton could be in for a new centre-back this summer, with Harry Maguire having been linked with a move.
The Toffees are likely to be very busy in the summer as opposed to the current window, with Everton not seeing much value in January.
It will be the second summer window for The Friedkin Group, and their activity will definitely be scrutinised after last summer.
What should be Everton’s top priority before the deadline on Monday? 😬
The clock is ticking… ⏰
Everton Manager David Moyes looks on prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport.
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Last time around it was a bit of a mixed bag, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall proving to be a great signing, but the likes of Adam Aznou, Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl struggling. Jack Grealish was doing well, but could now miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
In the summer, Everton may need a new centre-back with Michael Keane out of contract.
Everton were tipped as a potential landing spot for Harry Maguire, and what the defender is looking for has now been shared.
Harry Maguire focused on achieving new contract at Manchester United
Harry Maguire claps fans.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
As things currently stand, Maguire is out of contract at the end of the season and will become a free agent.
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Inevitably, there is already speculation about his future, with several clubs looking to snap him up.
Everton were said to be monitoring Maguire, as were Chelsea, Bournemouth, West Ham United, Napoli and AS Roma.
Everton considering a summer move for Harry Maguire, thoughts? 👀
Everton target Harry Maguire
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But – despite Maguire’s best friend in football Jordan Pickford being at Everton – it appears Maguire is keen to remain at Old Trafford.
TEAMtalk have reported that Maguire is placing a new contract at United above every other option, and that the defender is increasingly confident he will reach an agreement with the club.
It is suggested that Maguire feels his displays under interim boss Michael Carrick so far have ‘showcased his enduring value’, and this could help him secure fresh terms.
The Athletic add that the ball is in United’s court and the club are likely to see how the season plays out as they mull over giving Maguire a new deal.
No great shame for Everton as Maguire stance shared
It is no great shame that Maguire appears to be set on signing a new deal at United.
He would potentially make a good signing for Everton on a free this summer with Keane likely to be moving on when his contract is up.
Harry Maguire playing for Manchester United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
However, a big issue could well be Maguire’s wages, which The Athletic say are around £190,000 per week.
Assuming he would want the same money, Everton would likely have to make him their second-highest paid player after Jack Grealish.
Everton could also perhaps do with bringing in someone who’s a bit younger, with both Keane and James Tarkowski ageing.
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