Revealed: What Harry Maguire said about Chelsea and Tuchel as Boehly plots another £42m transfer
With new manager Erik ten Hag planning to modernize Old Trafford, Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United is becoming more and more doubtful.
As Todd Boehly rushes to recruit a center-back before the summer transfer window closes, Harry Maguire has made very positive remarks about both Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel. The Blues appear desperate to strengthen their backline, and the 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
However, The West Londoners have reportedly made a startling inquiry about the England international’s availability amid mounting concerns about his future at Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail. According to reports, Chelsea suggested signing Maguire in response to inquiries made by the Red Devils on Christian Pulisic.
Interest in the United captain follows stagnated progress in the race to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City. The 21-year-old defender has too been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and according to reports the Frenchman feels like the Foxes are trying to price him out of a move by requesting a world-record fee for his services.
It’s believed that Fofana has already agreed personal terms over a move to west London, but the Blues have seen two offers – with the highest being around £70million – turned down by Brendan Rodgers’ side. Chelsea are expected to submit a third bid in the region of £80million and have growing confidence that it will be accepted by their Premier League rivals.
Now, this is where Maguire has emerged as an alternative option in the event that Fofana – the primary target – doesn’t pen a deal at Stamford Bridge. And, while a move for the struggling United defender may come as a shock, he’s spoken very highly of both Chelsea and Tuchel in recent years.
“Obviously, Chelsea’s going to be a tough game but we went there last year and won and we’ll be looking to do that again,” Maguire said in an exclusive club interview, speaking in February 2021.
“They’re keeping their position very nicely and build up really well and [are] not conceding many goals, so it’s a good start [for them]. We’re hoping to spoil that.”
The clash between the two sides was shortly after Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard are the helm. Again, Maguire was impressed by the German’s ability to transform Chelsea’s dwindling misfortunes.
“It’s a great reaction [to the change],” added the £42.4million-rated defender. “They’re a great group of players with tons of talent and they’re starting to gel, starting to tick, but we’ve got to look at ourselves, first and foremost.
“We go into the game full of confidence, full of belief. We’ll make sure we play to the ability of what we’re capable of and go and get the three points.”