Everton have discussed signing Man United defender Harry Maguire on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders, as well as Chelsea and Tottenham, have registered their interest in signing the England centre-back before the window shuts, while West Ham have had a bid knocked back.
United are willing to sell Maguire, 30, but he is on big wages of nearly £200,000-a-week and that deal runs for two more years.
Everton have now turned their attention to signing Maguire on what would be a season-long loan deal.
That would give Sean Dyche the proven and experienced centre-back he is seeking following the departures of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina, while also allowing United to free up space for a younger replacement for the England international.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that United are willing to sell Maguire at a cut-price fee of around £35million – but the player wants his £10million-a-year contract paid up before agreeing an exit.
However, the possibility of a move to Everton represents what is seen as a strong option for the player, and he is believed to be open to the possibility of a loan after slipping down the United pecking order.
Intriguingly, Man United are keen on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, who is keen to get more regular football following his successful season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
It is believed that Maguire is set for second-string status if he stays at Old Trafford past the 1 September deadline.
He made 31 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign but started in just 16 of those outings.
The England international was initially indispensable after joining in 2019, but Erik ten Hag has preferred the likes of Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and even Luke Shaw at centre-back.
In other news, Everton make approach to sign £20m-plus star available for sale
