Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd's ideal Maguire replacement

9 Aug 2023 15:55 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano and the Manchester United badge on a red and black abstract background — © ProShots

Manchester United have outlined their top targets to replace Harry Maguire upon his move to West Ham, with Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo expected to be heavily pursued.

United and the Hammers have struck a deal in principle of £30 million for Maguire, with the England international expected to reach an agreement over personal terms once the final payment structures are completed between both clubs.

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According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Todibo is one of the top targets for Erik ten Hag, with the 23-year-old having been monitored for months as a potential replacement for Maguire.

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Discussions are underway over Nice’s demands for Todibo as well as whether the Frenchman would be the best option over Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, who is also being considered.

Pavard is said to be ‘keen’ on a move to Old Trafford, with Romano suggesting that the 27-year-old could be available for less than £30m due to his contract expiring next summer.

Edmond Tapsoba is also admired by Ten Hag but Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price is thought to be out of United’s price range, meaning Todibo or Pavard will be the likely candidates to replace Maguire.

Why United may end up with Pavard despite Todibo preference

Todibo has established himself as one of Europe’s elite young centre-backs since joining Nice from Barcelona in 2021, impressing with his pace and ability on the ball.

However, Nice could demand a significant price for their star defender, having extended his contract until 2027 last year, with Barcelona also thought to retain a sell-on clause.

As a result, while United are thought to prefer Todibo’s profile, a move for Pavard could be more realistic due to his unwillingness to extend his contract at Bayern, meaning the German side will likely prefer to cash in this summer.

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The Bayern man’s ability to cover at right-back as well as centre-back will undoubtedly be a selling point for Ten Hag and his pedigree could be more suited to United, with Pavard being a regular in the French national team compared to Todibo, who has yet to make his international debut.

United will hope to rapidly conduct a deal soon after Maguire’s departure is confirmed, with the team’s first game of the season set to come on Monday against Wolves.