Everton have reportedly emerged as the new frontrunners in the race to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
Despite his status as captain at the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign, Maguire soon fell down the pecking order under new United head coach Erik ten Hag.
As a result of United's schedule, Maguire still featured on 31 occasions in all competitions, yet he would make just eight starts in the Premier League.
Although Ten Hag has insisted that the England international remains a part of his plans at Old Trafford, Maguire has recently been stripped of the club's captaincy.
There had been expectation that a swift exit for the 30-year-old would follow, but it has been suggested that an increase in wages for Maguire due to a contractual clause has contributed to the centre-back being happy to fight for his place.
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Nevertheless, interest in the player's signature has not gone away with West Ham United having allegedly recently failed with an approach worth £20m.
That was swiftly rejected by the Red Devils, who are said to be angling for around double that figure, and the Hammers have seemingly put any further offers on the backburner.
According to Football Insider, Everton have moved to the front of the queue in the race for Maguire's signature.
The Toffees remain restricted by FFP criteria for the foreseeable future, despite recouping over £45m in fees this summer and only making loan and free additions.
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Everton are in the market for a new central defender, though, with each of Yerry Mina and Conor Coady - who each started the club's decisive win over Bournemouth on the final day of last season - no longer on Merseyside.
While Jarrad Branthwaite is back in the fold after a loan stint with PSV Eindhoven, the young Englishman is reportedly keen to leave Goodison Park with United potentially being one of his suitors.
A potential part-exchange deal is not mentioned in the aforementioned report, yet it could become a plausible option given the difference in valuations and wages of each player.
Tottenham Hotspur have remained as a possible destination but it has been claimed over the past 48 hours that Spurs are closing in on a deal for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.
Darren Plant
