Everton are looking to sign Harry Maguire on a free transfer this summer.
It was TEAMtalk who claimed The Friedkin Group are watching as the £80m England international – who David Moyes wanted to sign at West Ham – nears the end of his contract at Manchester United.
However, Michael Carrick has now offered a strong hint that Manchester United intend to tie Harry Maguire down to a new deal, in what would be a blow for Everton.
Everton considering a summer move for Harry Maguire, thoughts? 👀
Everton target Harry Maguire
What Michael Carrick has now said about Harry Maguire as Everton lurk
Carrick – who Moyes wanted at Everton many years ago – has now said he hopes there is “more to come” from Maguire at Old Trafford.
The Guardian quote the 44-year-old as saying: “Harry’s an impressive character. He’s had a great career so far, hopefully there’s a lot more to come. The journey and the experiences that he’s had, certainly since he’s been here and with England as well, showed exactly what he is. I think we all know the player that he is and what he’s capable of doing.
“The other night (against Everton) I thought he was fantastic. Experience helps. His attributes help, and his character. His willingness to put himself out there. He’s really impressive at his age and he’s been really important for us.”
Casemiro has already announced he will be leaving Old Trafford when his contract ends this summer, and the Guardian claim Manchester United want to keep some experience within the dressing room.
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So, barring a shock turnaround, it very much seems as if Everton will have to give up hope of signing Maguire – who Moyes called a “monster” – on a free transfer this summer.
Everton have two Harry Maguire alternatives who can be signed for free
Maguire is believed to earn £190,000-a-week at Manchester United, so even on a free transfer, he would have been costly.
However, there are two cheaper options for Everton who are also set to enter free agency this summer.
The Toffees are monitoring Ozan Kabak after the Turkey international opted not to sign a new deal at Hoffenheim, and having previously spent time on loan at Liverpool, the defender would presumably need little time to settle in on Merseyside.
Marco Senesi is also liked by Everton – the Argentina international who has decided to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Remember him? How would you feel about potentially signing Kabak? 🧐
Hoffenheim defender Ozan Kabak.
Kabak and Senesi are believed to earn £46,978-a-week and £50,000-a-week respectively, so even if Everton chose to sign both on the same salaries, the double deal would be cheaper to do than it would to take Maguire on his current wages.
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