Man Utd identify Harry Maguire replacement with new transfer plan | Football | Sport

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Nottingham Forest‘s Murillo during the summer transfer window as they seek a replacement for Harry Maguire. Maguire’s current deal runs out this season, having penned just a one-year extension last summer.

The former United skipper has managed only four starts this term due to a hamstring problem. Ayden Heaven has filled the void, featuring in the club’s previous eight Premier League fixtures. United currently have Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt as their other centre-back options in a four-man defence.

According to the Daily Mail, United are hunting for Maguire’s successor, with Murillo emerging as a leading candidate on their shortlist. Despite penning fresh terms just 12 months ago, the Brazilian, who has a £48million valuation on transfermarkt, is said to be willing to depart the City Ground.

Murillo said after committing his future to the club: “I’m very thankful and very happy that there are four more years to come. I’m thankful to everyone for the support – not just to me, but to my family as well.” Everywhere I go, every shop, wherever it is, they treat my family and me really well, so I’m very grateful for everything they do for the team and for me. I’m sure that we’ve got a big future in front of us.”

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis also added: “We dream big, and so does he. He believes in the power of what we are doing at this great club. When we share the same bold ambitions, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.”

However, circumstances have shifted dramatically over the past 12 months. Nuno Espirito Santo has departed, and Forest find themselves languishing in the Premier League’s lower reaches once more. While they sit seven points above the drop zone, Forest are also sure to miss out on European competition next season unless they claim Europa League glory. United boast an 11-point advantage over Murillo’s current employers and harbours hopes of securing continental football for the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Maguire has already acknowledged the stark reality that, as things currently stand, this is his final season at Old Trafford. Following United’s victory over Liverpool in October, he reflected: “I’ve been here seven years now, so it’s been tough not getting that win. It’s been on my mind a little bit, to be honest. I’m in my last year now, so this could be the last time I played at Anfield for this club, so it’s really important that I’ve come here and ticked that one off.”

Discussing his contract extension back in August, Maguire revealed: “Last year, the clause was in their hands, so there was no option for me there. There was no talking; it was just that they activated it, and it got extended.

“This year, obviously, I’m up at the end of the year. I’m pretty sure the club have made it aware this summer that I can’t leave the club on any terms with other clubs enquiring about my things and my position with my contract. I’m sure over the next few months they’ll sit down, and we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend, or obviously the transfer window will open again in January.

“Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and what I want to be. I don’t want to put it out there to everybody, but it’s an amazing club to play for, and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.”