Manchester United 'will have to sell Harry Maguire to sign Axel Disasi'

Manchester United will reportedly have to sell club captain Harry Maguire during this summer's transfer window in order to sign Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.

Maguire's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the 30-year-old widely expected to leave Old Trafford in the current market, having dropped down the pecking order at the club.

The centre-back has received a salary increase this summer, though, which is making it more difficult for Man United to sell him despite a host of interest.

West Ham United and Newcastle United are among the Premier League clubs being linked with Maguire, who only started eight times in England's top flight during the 2022-23 campaign.

Man United head coach Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen to sign a new central defender this summer, with Monaco's Disasi being heavily linked with a switch to the club.

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According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 20-time English champions are keen on the Frenchman, but they will have to sell Maguire for the deal to become a possibility.

Plettenberg claims that Newcastle are currently pushing for Disasi, with the Magpies recently holding discussions over a possible deal for the 25-year-old.

Eddie Howe's side are said to be in the lead due to Man United's situation, but the Red Devils remain in the hunt for his signature at this relatively early stage of the summer market.

Disasi started his professional career with Paris FC before making the move to Reims, representing the club for four years ahead of a switch to Monaco in the summer of 2020.

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The Frenchman has featured on 129 occasions for his current side in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and four assists in the process.

Disasi was in impressive form for Monaco during the 2022-23 campaign, meanwhile, making 49 appearances, contributing six goals and four assists.

The principality club are in a strong position when it comes to the defender's future, with his current deal having another two years left to run.

Both Newcastle and Man United will be able to offer Champions League football for next season, but Disasi is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford over St James' Park.

Man United have made one signing during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea, while they are said to be closing in on a deal for Inter Milan's Andre Onana.