Man Utd identify Harry Maguire replacement ahead of transfer announcement

05 August 2023 , 02:00

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Manchester United will officially make it three summer signings on Saturday when Rasmus Hojlund is unveiled.

Erik ten Hag has already completed deals for Mason Mount and Andre Onana, arriving from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively. But a centre forward was unquestionably his top priority all summer long, with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen touted as options.

After being priced out of those transfers, United turned to the Atalanta forward, 20, who is tipped to have a massive future in the game. He hasn’t come cheap however, should he reach his enormous potential, the Red Devils will shell out £72m on his signature. He is set to be paraded in front of supporters before the friendly with Lens.

But there’s still more action expected at Old Trafford, both with incomings and outgoing - Mirror Football has the latest batch of United transfer rumours.

Maguire replacement eyed

Ten Hag could still be in the market for a defender in the final weeks of the window as well. Harry Maguire ’s future remains in limbo as he waits to discover whether he will remain with the club beyond September 1.

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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked as a potential target, should Maguire complete his expected exit. Branthwaite, 21, is fresh off the back of a brilliant loan spell with PSV and is highly rated across Europe.

That is reflected in the Toffees demanding £25m for the player - according to Football Insider. Both United and Liverpool have been linked, interest which has flattered the ex-Carlisle star.

"I think when all of those clubs are interested and watching your games, it's gonna be one of them where you take notice,” he exclusively told

Harry Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

West Ham’s chances of double deal summed up

The Hammers remain one of the clubs linked with Maguire, and have already seen an offer rejected for the England international. Reports on Friday claimed that West Ham were closing in on a double deal for both Maguire and his team-mate Scott McTominay.

It had been suggested the pair were completing medicals ahead of a move to the London Stadium. However, the Athletic state David Moyes’ side have been priced out of both and have already taken a radical approach to their rejections.

The Athletic report that the club have now advertised for seven new signings of the website TransferRoom. It is suggested the Hammers have placed an advert for a left-back, centre-back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, striker, winger and No 10.

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Amrabat hint dropped

Once the Hojlund saga is categorically wrapped up, United can turn their attention towards signing another midfield player. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is their top target, with the Morocco international hoping to make the move.

The 26-year-old played under Ten Hag at Utrecht and is open to a reunion. United are yet to make an official approach, but one is expected before next month’s deadline.

However, in a possible hint over his future, Fiorentina have left him out of their squad for this weekend’s Sela Cup - taking place in England. The Serie A side will play Newcastle and Nice in Newcastle over the weekend before jetting back to Italy.