Manchester United in advanced talks to sign defender after potential move to rival PL club collapses - Reports
Manchester United are reportedly close to snapping up Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui after his move to West Ham United seemingly collapsed. The 26-year-old right-back is not a first-team regular at the Allianz Arena.
Since arriving in 2022, the Morocco international has contributed a goal and eight assists in 55 games across competitions. That includes four assists in 29 outings last season, starting 16, as Bayern endured their first trophyless campaign in 12 years.
Despite being contracted with the Allianz Arena till 2026, Mazraoui has apparently told the club hierarchy about his desire to leave. West Ham and United were hot on his heels. But as per Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg (via Utd District), the West Ham move is not on and that United are in 'advanced talks' to snap up the defender.
Earlier, Sky Sports Germany (via GOAL) had reported that the Hammers had struck up an agreement on a €15.5 million deal (with €4 million in add-ons) with Bayern. The report also said that West Ham also had a 'verbal agreement' in place with the player pending the 'green light' from Bayern before the deal collapsed.
The Red Devils could capitalise on the latest development and snap up Mazraoui but might first have to offloan Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire dismisses reports of his exit
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has dismissed reports of his potential exit as he reiterated his commitment to build on the club's recent success after a tough season.
The Red Devils finished a lowly eighth last season but won their first FA Cup in eight years to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the new season, Maguire said about his future (as per Sky Sports):
"Unless the club tell me I'm up for sale or I'm not wanted there anymore. Everything I've heard and the action I've been shown from the club, I'm part of the future, and it is time to crack on and make this club successful again, challenging for the big trophies.
The 31-year-old has contributed 11 goals and seven assists in 205 games across competitions for the Red Devils since arriving from Leicester City in the summer of 2019.