Manchester United have now rejected Barcelona’s offer to sign defender Harry Maguire, MySportDab reports.
Barcelona tried to sign Maguire as part of United’s offer to sign midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
United are still in talks to reach an agreement for de Jong, with a total fee of £68m likely to get the job done.
If Maguire got included in the deal, it would drive down Barca’s asking price for the player.
Now, According to The Sun, Barcelona tried to sign Maguire as part of the De Jong deal this summer.
However, new United Coach Erik ten Hag wants Maguire to stay and won’t sell him in a swap deal.
De Jong is ten Hag’s main priority in this transfer window, and he’s doing everything possible to get his man.
United’s midfield is in need of additions following the exits of key players this summer like Matic, Lingard and Paul Pogba.
Barcelona Coach Xavi wants to sign a new defender due to Gerard Pique’s constant injury problems.
The Spanish club already have Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet but wanted to sign Maguire in a smart way.
Maguire could perform well in Barcelona’s style of play as he always pushes the ball forward from defence.
Maguire got heavily criticised last season as United had a disappointing season and finished sixth in the Premier League.
There were various matches where Maguire’s position woeful proved bad to United’s cause.
However, the 29-year-old wants to prove a point at Manchester United and become a top player.
Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender in 2019 after a £80m transfer.
He has played 144 matches for United but has failed to win any trophies and his lack of consistency has been questioned.
Despite the frequent criticism, Maguire remains a key player for Manchester United and England.
