Transfer Talk: Five clubs Maguire could join after losing Red Devils armband

Having been stripped of the club captaincy, Harry Maguire's days at Manchester United seem numbered.

The 30-year-old has failed to live up to his tag as the most expensive defender in history, combining periods of decent form and stoic leadership with too many mistakes.

Maguire is now well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and should find a way out if he has realistic ambitions of holding on to his place in the England team ahead of Euro 2024 next summer.

We take a look at his options.

Chelsea

Chelsea are reportedly in the market for a centre-back after Wesley Fofana was ruled out for several months with an ACL injury.

That situation could appeal to Maguire, for whom a short-term loan would allow him the playing time he needs ahead of the European Championship in Germany.

While the former Leicester defender would surely jump at the move, United could be reluctant to loan players out to a rival — and the West Londoners may not want their surplus talent anyway.

Tottenham

With Tottenham said to be after two senior centre-backs, a loan or cut-price deal for a Three Lions international may prove more cost-effective than shelling out two big fees.

In theory, Maguire suits elements of what Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou wants from his defenders, with his ball carrying out from the back a prominent feature of his game.

He is more comfortable on the left too, which is Spurs' position of need.

West Ham

West Ham have been most solidly linked with Maguire, who could take their defence to a new level.

Angelo Ogbonna is now 35 and Thilo Kehrer is often used at right-back, so Moyes is keen on extra competition for first-choice pairing Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.

A move to the London Stadium may mean less opportunity to take risks with the ball but Maguire would appreciate defending in a deeper line where his lack of pace is less exposed.

Sheffield United

While the finances of a deal may be hard to square, a return to his boyhood club could provide Maguire with a timely confidence boost.

The move would at least guarantee the 57-cap international first-team football and it may bring the best out of a player who would feel the love at Bramall Lane.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has proved that he is willing to pick players who play in the bottom half of the division, so England aspirations should not put the defender off this move.

Juventus

A move to Italy feels like the kind of deal that could end up earning Maguire the playing time he is seeking — and Juventus may be the club that makes most sense.

Switching to Serie A has reignited the careers of Chris Smalling and Fikayo Tomori, who were struggling for opportunities at United and Chelsea.

And while Maguire is unlikely to fill his legendary boots, the likely exit of Leonardo Bonucci does mean that there could soon be a vacancy for an experienced centre-back at the Allianz Stadium.