Manchester United Make Harry Maguire Sale Decision After AC Milan Approach

AC Milan have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

Manchester United Reject Harry Maguire Approaches

According to The Sun, United have rejected multiple approaches for Maguire this month, despite Milan enquiring.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick, hired to replace the sacked Ruben Amorim until the end of the season, is said to have emphatically closed the door on any potential departure for the centre-back.

As a result, United are expected to reject all approaches for the 32-year-old.

But Maguire’s long-term future remains uncertain as his contract is set to run down at the end of the season.

Milan are actively chasing a new defender in this window and have seen several targets slip through their fingers. Maguire remains on their shortlist, but a switch will now have to wait until the summer.

As United begin their search for their next permanent manager, it remains to be seen whether the England international’s deal is extended. The prospect of the £80million record signing has not been ruled out at this stage.

Maguire would have brought welcome experience and know-how to Massimiliano Allegri’s backline, but has sustained several niggling injuries, ruling him out of 10 of United’s 22 Premier League matches.

Carrick, however, is understood to be adamant that he can still play a crucial role under him.

Inter Milan want Maguire and, like their city rivals, are in the process of strengthening their defensive options.

Napoli are keen on the veteran, too, but he would likely need to accept a significant pay cut. Regardless, he could be tempted to make the move to Italy over the coming months for a new challenge.

Maguire had been set to leave United during the summer of 2023 after a bid from West Ham was accepted, only for him to rebuff the move and decide to stay and fight for his place in the squad.

AC Milan’s Defensive Targets

Meanwhile, Milan have been sent back to the drawing board in their hunt for a new centre-back. Fenerbahce’s Milan Skriniar and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez are targets, but both are unlikely to leave their clubs this month.

Juventus’ Federico Gatti has been linked with a switch to the San Siro, with Milan weighing up a potential swap deal, while the Italian club also admires Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.

Axel Disasi, Murillo, Nathan Ake and Diego Coppola have also been considered, but talks have not yet advanced.