Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has suggested that there have been "positive" developments with regards to his contractual situation.
The England international has spent a number of seasons in and out of the starting lineup at Old Trafford, yet still making 219 appearances in all competitions.
At a time when Erik ten Hag was in charge, it appeared more likely than not that the 31-year-old would leave on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer.
United are known to be keen to reduce their outgoings and removing Maguire's wages may have been perceived as an effective way of achieving that.
However, with Ruben Amorim now at the helm and regularly using a back three, it appears that a scenario has arisen where Maguire could stay put.
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"The signs are positive"
Maguire was a star performer as United pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory at Manchester City on Sunday evening, helping stifle the Premier League's leading marksman Erling Haaland.
Speaking after the derby showdown, Maguire acknowledged that there is no panic over the situation courtesy of the 12-month option held by United.
Nevertheless, the long-serving defender hinted that the relevant parties had opened negotiations over a longer extension.
As quoted by Sky Sports News, Maguire said: "Listen, I haven't really thought about it. I've still got this year to go with an option in their hands.
"But, yeah, all the signs are positive at the moment and the chat that I'm having is really positive."
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Maguire's numbers this season
Maguire completed the 90 minutes for the first time since September 25 when doing do versus Man City on Sunday.
He had previously been eased back to fitness after a near two-month absence and the signs are there that he could become a mainstay in the back three.
A total of eight starts and five substitute outings have been made this campaign, with five clean sheets being posted when Maguire has played a part from the opening whistle or the bench.
With an EFL Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur and a Premier League fixture at home to Bournemouth separated by just three days later this week, it remains to be seen whether Amorim will risk Maguire in both games.
Darren Plant
