Manchester United may be dragged into a legal battle to keep hold of centre-back Harry Maguire, who has attracted interest from multiple clubs according to a report.
The divisive defender signed a six-year deal when he arrived at Old Trafford for a record-breaking £80m in the summer 2019. That initial contract also included an extension clause which United can trigger to keep Maguire in Manchester for another 12 months.
However, the club have not activated that measure. As he enters the final six months of his existing deal, Maguire will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign side from 1 January 2025 onwards.
Legal complications could arise if United trigger the extension clause in Maguire’s contract after he agrees to move away, according to The Athletic. The report contains no suggestion as to what the resolution of this hypothetical scenario would be, but does name four clubs interested in the 31-year-old.
Serie A title challengers Napoli are highlighted as the keenest admirers of Maguire’s unique skillset. Manager Antonio Conte has developed a reputation for stockpiling former Premier League stars.
After leading Inter to the Italian title with a team that included Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young and Christian Eriksen, the former Chelsea boss added the Scottish duo of Billy Gilmour and ex-United midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli’s squad over the summer.
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Turkish rivals Galatasaray are also thought to be interested in Maguire.
Premier League strugglers Leicester City may be lining up a reunion with their former player. Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy spent the first half of the season at Manchester United with Maguire, initially as Erik ten Hag’s assistant before a brief interim spell. While the fond memories from his time at the King Power Stadium may be enticing for Maguire, Premier League relegation for Leicester would surely complicate any deal.
Despite the potent potential for a mid-season legal battle, Maguire revealed that talks over a new United contract were “really positive” earlier this season.
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