Man Utd could snatch Man City transfer target with 'swap deal' plan

Manchester United could be set to offer out one of their regular first teamers as part of a swap deal, according to reports. The Red Devils are poised for an interesting summer, with fans keen to see how the arrival of new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe impacts the club's transfer strategy.

United have spent a lot and not got enough bang for their buck over the last decade. Ratcliffe will look to change that, and one report claims that he and the Red Devils could offload a big earner to kick off what could be a busy summer.

According to The Daily Express, entre-back Harry Maguire could be offered out a year before his contract at Old Trafford expires - although United have the option of adding a further year. According to the report, Maguire will be offered to West Ham as part of an exchange to land Lucas Paquetá, who was heavily linked with Manchester City last summer.

City continue to be linked with the creative star, but United may have something the Hammers want in Maguire. David Moyes and West Ham tried to sign Maguire in the summer and initially had an offer accepted, but Maguire decided to stay and fight for his spot at Old Trafford.

“We’re trying to have a competitive squad; a squad that can challenge for the European places in the Premier League," said Moyes after the deal broke down. "And, to do that, we need competition. I don’t really talk about players at other clubs but we did make an offer for Harry Maguire, and just at the end we’ve not been able to take it any further. That’s unfortunate. We’re looking at several players at other clubs.”

Maguire has since won over many of his critics, delivering solid performances and improved form this season. But United could still look to improve at the back and elsewhere, potentially forcing the 31-year-old as part of that.