Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will engage in a tussle in the pursuit of Hull City central defender Harry Maguire.
According to a report by The Mirror, Tottenham and Everton are set to be embroiled in a £22million tug-of-war over signing Hull City defender Harry Maguire.
The 24-year-old is widely sought-after by the rival managers, who are looking to sign him as soon as possible.
Maguire was perhaps Hull’s standout player this season. He impressed not only as a defender, but also while venturing forward, picking up three goals and two assists for his team.
He signed for Hull City from Sheffield United back in 2014 after failing to make an impact there, but has blossomed into a wonderful talent at Hull right now. Unfortunately for the newly-relegated club, Maguire has made it clear that he wants to remain in the top-flight next season.
Although Everton are also in the fray, Maguire is likely to prefer a move to Tottenham solely due to the prospect of playing Champions League football. However, at Pochettino’s team, it will be unclear as to how important his role will be.
Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have been phenomenal for the last two seasons in terms of partnership and performances. Meanwhile, Eric Dier has fit perfectly into a three-man back line even as reports emerge of him possibly leaving the club this summer to join Manchester United.
If Dier does leave though, Maguire could get a boost in the pecking order since that will free a spot for him. Also, Kyle Walker is expected to make a move to Manchester City, and that can lead to better opportunities for the defender.
In such a situation, Maguire would probably have to be satisfied playing as a replacement for Kevin Wimmer as the fourth-choice centre-back, and that won’t sound appealing enough to a player like Maguire.
Everton, on the other hand, will offer him a chance to play first team football. Also, they may not be in the Champions League, but they have a chance at playing in the Europa League after being eligible to play the third qualifying round after finishing seventh in the Premier League this season.
However, had Southampton managed to defeat Manchester United in the League Cup then Koeman’s squad would’ve had to forego the opportunity.
Koeman is also reportedly bringing Wayne Rooney back to the club, but he will have to act fast in order to sign Maguire before Tottenham make a move.
