Manchester United and Maguire in talks over new contract

Manchester United and centreback Harry Maguire have opened talks over a new contract as the 32 year old approaches the final eight months of his current deal at Old Trafford, club and player representatives said. Face to face discussions have taken place in recent days and further meetings are expected ahead of the January transfer window, with wages and length of term reported to be the main sticking points.

United triggered a one year extension in Maguire's contract earlier this year, keeping him at the club until next June, but the defender will be free to speak to foreign clubs from 1 January if no new agreement is reached. Maguire has made 253 appearances for the club since his £80 million move from Leicester City in 2019 and has featured seven times in all competitions this season, often rotating in and out of the starting lineup under manager Ruben Amorim.

Both Manchester United and the player are understood to value Maguire's experience and leadership. Amorim added him to a leadership group this summer that also includes Bruno Fernandes and other senior figures, and the centreback has been used regularly in Amorim's three centreback system. A transfer expert advising on...