Everton look like they could miss out on Harry Maguire this summer, after recently being linked to the defender.
Manchester United are reported by TEAMtalk to be on the verge of agreeing a contract extension for Maguire, whose current deal expires this summer.
Everton were tipped as a potential landing spot for Maguire this summer, with the club likely to bid farewell to Michael Keane, who himself is out of contract.
But it seems Everton may well have to look elsewhere for centre-back options given the development with Maguire.
Would Harry Maguire even start for Everton? 🤔
Moyes already has Keane, Tarkowski, Branthwaite and O'Brien to fill just two positions… 👀
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Maguire ready to stay at Man United ‘significantly reduced terms’, amid Everton links
Everton could potentially have done with Maguire this summer.
Ultimately, he is a player who has found much better form these days, and obviously Keane could leave.
But seemingly it’s because of that improved form that a stay at Manchester United now looks all but certain.
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TEAMtalk say that internally Maguire’s resurgence is seen as one of the most impressive turnarounds within the squad.
Harry Maguire playing for Manchester United.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Sources within United are said to be increasingly expectant about him extending.
Furthermore, Maguire – who joined United for £80 million in 2017 (BBC Sport) – has apparently said he would stay on ‘significantly reduced terms’, a stance that has delighted the hierarchy.
Currently, he’s one of the best-paid players at the club on around £190,000 per week.
Everton could look at John Stones as Harry Maguire alternative
Perhaps Everton moving for Maguire was never realistic.
But one alternative Everton could pursue in light of this development is John Stones.
Now, Stones’ wage demands may be an issue for Everton. He earns even more money at Manchester City than Maguire does at United.
Harry Maguire and John Stones playing for England together.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
But of course, there is the romance of Stones returning to Everton having left the club in 2016 – he may well be open to a second stint.
Another big concern though would be his injury record, which is very far from perfect.
Everton really want to bring Jack Grealish back to the club for next season, and this might be a genuine factor for Stones as he assesses his options this summer.
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