are exploring three potential options to replace after accepting a bid worth £30million from for their axed skipper.
The 30-year-old has fallen dramatically down the pecking order since took over at Old Trafford and is effectively the club’s fifth-choice centre-back now.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are Ten Hag’s preferred centre-back pairing, while Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw were both picked ahead of Maguire.
There had been suggestions the England international wanted to stay and fight for his place at United, but he now looks with personal terms currently being discussed.
Although Maguire only started eight times in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag feels he needs a fourth out-and-out centre-back in his squad and will look to replace the former Leicester City man.
According to transfer expert , United have already drawn up a list of three potential options.
and the Red Devils’ hierarchy have already reached out to be informed of the conditions of any potential deal.
The 23-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona, is likely to cost around £26m but he is not the only option being explored.
United are also working on a potential deal for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel following the arrival of Kim Min-jae.
Ten Hag is particularly attracted to Pavard’s versatility, with the Frenchman capable of playing at full-back as well as centre-back – something he has done frequently for the national team.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba rounds out the three-man shortlist, though the German side are demanding a big fee for the centre-back which has prevented long-time suitors Tottenham from completing a deal.
Asked this week by Sky Sports if he would target a replacement for Maguire, Ten Hag said: ‘We never speak about what could happen.
‘We need all positions available, you need the competition in. You always have to deal with suspensions and injuries and form.’
He added: ‘I’m happy with the squad, and I want a strong squad, and I want competition in the squad.
‘So I’m happy with the current players that are in, so when we go with this squad into the season that’s fine.’
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