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Premier League side Hull City will soon be finding themselves in the centre of a three-way transfer duel as their highly-rated defender Harry Maguire is thought to be the target of no less than three clubs come the summer.
The Sheffield-born defender has been in solid form for Hull this season, displaying outstanding defensive abilities in his 25 appearances for the Tigers so far across all competitions, exhibiting mastery in the air and a knack for dispossessing opponents of the ball.
The former Wigan man made an impeccable performance against Liverpool nearly three weeks ago, helping Hull secure a clean sheet on their way to winning 2-0 in their Premier League fixture – Maguire won six aerial duels in that game, and blocked two shots on target.
Such commendable displays from the 23-year-old centre-half are thought to have caught the attention of several clubs. According to the Daily Star, as much as three Premier League outfits are looking to sign the defender in June – throwing Maguire’s future beyond this season at Hull in serious doubt.
The three clubs that are believed to be angling a summer move for the centre-back are as follows:
Southampton
In desperate need of a solid centre-back after losing captain Jose Fonte last January, the Saints are on the hunt for a defender and Harry Maguire certainly fits the bill. Southampton manager Claude Puel is thought to have been tracking the Tigers player’s progress this season and believes the time is ripe to make a move on the 23-year-old once the transfer window reopens in the summer.
Everton
The Toffees are on the lookout for a central defender as they look for a long-term replacement to their ageing centre-backs Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka, who are 32 and 34, respectively. With Maguire being a home-grown talent and a good player to boot, Everton boss Ronald Koeman believes the one-time Under-21 England international is the defender the Dutch tactician is looking for.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are thought to be the favourites to sign the Sheffield born player. After all, they have the resources to meet whatever demands Hull will be asking for Maguire and can give the footballer an offer he would find hard to refuse. The North London giants are thought to be frustrated with their current central defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, both of whom are prone to injury, and are thus looking to Maguire to provide a solid option at the back.