Manchester United ‘offer’ England star to Barcelona as Ten Hag seeks to implement ‘historic squad cleanse’

Man Utd have offered Harry Maguire to Barcelona as Erik ten Hag looks to clean up his squad ahead of next season, according to reports.

The Red Devils are expected to make a number of changes during the summer transfer window, with reports indicating that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are willing to listen to offers for most of their squad.

One area of ​​the squad they are looking to improve is central defence, with speculation that they could bring in up to two new faces in that position.

Matthijs De Ligt, Bayern Munich player and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are considered their top two targets, but funds must be raised through sales at some point during the summer.

Players like Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood will almost certainly depart during the summer transfer window and the potential arrival of a new centre-back means Man Utd could consider selling Maguire.

Reports in Spain are already touting Maguire with claims that Manchester United have ‘offered’ the England international – who missed Euro 2024 through injury – to Barcelona this summer.

Maguire is no longer ‘untouchable’ at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag looks to implement a ‘historic squad cleanse’ after retaining his job last month.

Manchester United “hope to be able to get rid of his high salary this year, and have already started offering his services to various teams”, including Barcelona.

MORE MANCHESTER UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd ‘very close’ to signing Villa star before Ten Hag rejects move
👉 Man Utd: Fernandes ‘decides’ to leave, Ratcliffe ‘satisfied’ with Barcelona’s low-cost offer
👉 Ratcliffe ‘upset’ at Man Utd transfer failure; Monday meeting key to £30m deal

The Red Devils “hope that Joan Laporta and Deco will take advantage of the fact that they will only ask for around 20 million euros for the experienced 31-year-old central defender.”

But the report adds that new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick issued an “immediate response” and “categorically rejected the possibility of Maguire landing at the Camp Nou”.

Speaking earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed Man Utd were willing to consider “good offers” for Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Romano said: “De Ligt is only negotiating with Manchester United, no other clubs are involved at the moment because all his focus is on a possible transfer to Old Trafford,” Romano said.

“Another name on United’s list, and the only player they have made an offer for so far, is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. They had their offer of £35m plus add-ons rejected, but certainly their assessment remains the same, and it depends on Everton because they still want £65m-£70m for the player. It’s too expensive for United, but if the price changes they are prepared to attack the situation.”

“Even though De Ligt could join the club, it is also possible that United could sign an additional centre-back. It depends on the budget and the opportunities, but it is a possibility. As for the future of players like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and many others, it depends on the offers, if they receive good offers.”

“But in general an extra centre-back is a possibility – Branthwaite remains on the list but Manchester United have no intention of paying £70m so the only solution is for Everton’s price to come down.”