Manchester United have told Harry Maguire that he is free to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti (h/t Express).

The 29-year-old joined the Red Devils from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million, making him the world’s most expensive defender. However, the centre-back could be on his way back to the King Power Stadium with the Foxes interested in him.

Maguire is also attracting the attention of two other unnamed clubs in the English top flight. The defender’s current contract with the Old Trafford side runs until the summer of 2025. And the club value him at around £26.1 million.

The England international has not been at his best for United. He was one of the best players during the Three Lions’ run to the final during Euro 2020. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old has been underwhelming for the Red Devils since then.

Last season, Maguire formed part of the eighth-worst backline in the Premier League, shipping in 57 goals. Most fans were left frustrated with the centre-back consistently faltering for us.

And the 29-year-old started the 2022/23 campaign under Erik ten Hag on a similar note. However, he has quickly lost his place in the starting lineup.

Raphael Varane has replaced our captain in the team and has partnered Lisandro Martinez. The French and Argentine defenders have formed a relatively solid duo at the back.

Maguire has started just three games in the league for the Red Devils. The injury he picked up during the international break has not helped his cause either, with Victor Lindelof seemingly pipping him in the pecking order.

The 29-year-old did not instil confidence in the fanbase with his display against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup win. However, Gareth Southgate evidently still trusts him, with the England international being World Cup-bound.