According to rumours, Manchester United is considering a possible trade for Lautaro Martinez at the end of the season. This season, the Argentine international has been in excellent form with Inter Milan, scoring 17 goals in 32 Serie A games. And if a trade deal is made to bring the South American shooter to Old Trafford this summer, Harry Maguire might be included.
It's no secret that United want to sign a new striker at the end of the current campaign.
Wout Weghorst is ready to return to Burnley after scoring just twice on loan since his transfer in January, while Antony Martial's long-term future is also in doubt following an injury-riddled first half of the season.
Victor Osimhen, who shone for Napoli in Serie A this season, has also been mentioned.
However, United is also interested in Martinez, and on Wednesday, reports surfaced that the Red Devils had looked into a deal through an intermediary.
It was claimed that this person contacted Inter to see how much money they would want in exchange for their cherished asset.
Finally, it was allegedly made clear to United by Inter that they had no intention of letting Martinez go come the summer. And for that reason, a swap agreement would be helpful in persuading the Serie A giants to accept a swap agreement.
Inter contacted United in January to ask about the availability of Maguire, who has had difficulty getting regular playing time this season.
The England international is currently further down Erik ten Hag's pecking order than players like Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and even Luke Shaw.
However, despite Inter considering a possible transfer for Maguire, the 29-year-old chose to remain at Old Trafford.
But fast-forward to the present, it's possible that United will be open to offers for the center-back. They want to generate money to go on a massive shopping binge, and the club is interested in targets like Jude Bellingham, Frenkie de Jong, and Jeremie Frimpong. So using Harry Maguire in a swap deal could possibly benefit all parties.
The slower pace of Italian football may suit the former Leicester star, despite criticism for his performances at United.
Given that Inter has allowed 35 league goals this season—35 more than any other top-four team—they unquestionably need defensive reinforcements. Maguire would conceivably make the best Milan Skriniar replacement given that the latter is expected to depart for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
United is aware that they can no longer afford to put off hiring a new No. 9. Although Kane and Osimhen are both highly regarded, Martinez would be an excellent addition as Ten Hag aims for an abundance of trophies in the years to come.
Paul Scholes, who praised Martinez back in March, is one individual who has already shown support for a potential transfer for the Argentina international.
“I like Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan. I think he’s Ten Hag’s type of player," Paul Scholes stated back in March.
“He likes a centre-forward who will run about, be aggressive, get against people. There are options.
“I like Manchester United’s centre-forwards as they are. I like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial."
“We all know the quality they’ve got. There are options out there and let’s hope we can bring one in.”
Wout Weghorst's future
Wout Weghorst and Manchester United have not yet begun discussions on extending Weghorst's stay at Old Trafford past the loan period.
After Cristiano Ronaldo's contentious departure, Erik ten Hag was in desperate need of a striker and brought in Weghorst on loan.
Weghorst, a Burnley loanee who had been performing admirably for Besiktas, was quickly acquired by the Red Devils. United paid a compensation fee of £2.5 million to obtain the services of the Dutch striker.
Weghorst has reportedly told the club he wants to stay and be signed permanently, but club executives have not made any attempts to start talks, according to The Telegraph.
“Manchester United have yet to open talks with Wout Weghorst staying at Old Trafford beyond this summer when his loan from Burnley expires.”
“Discussions have not started over a further deal for Weghorst, who as it stands will return to Turf Moor but also has interest from Premier League teams following his return to English football.”
Mike McGrath and John Percy add, “While he is under contract at Burnley, it is thought the newly-promoted club would allow him to leave again.”
Wout Weghorst hasn't exactly impressed since joining Ten Hag's team. In 25 games spanning the FA Cup, Europa League, Carabao Cup, and the Premier League, the 30-year-old has only scored twice for United.
Weghorst was reduced to mainly starting from the bench by Anthony Martial's return. When Alejandro Garnacho returns from injury, Weghorst is likely to fall even farther down the list of priorities.