Ex-Newcastle star John Barnes believes his former club should make a move for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

The England international will be allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer, and Barnes claims the defender would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad:

“I think Harry Maguire would be a great signing for Newcastle. He’s English, he’s a main player for the national side and he’d be a good signing for Newcastle if it comes off. I think Maguire can have a better time at Newcastle.”

A difficult spell for Maguire

The centre-back became the most expensive defender in world football when he made the £80m switch from Leicester City to United in the summer of 2019.

After a solid first couple of seasons, Maguire’s form has deteriorated, and he is now fourth choice in the pecking order behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof under manager Erik ten Hag.

Rather than being happy as a squad player, it appears he is pressing for a move away from Manchester, with part of his motivation being to ensure he retains his place in the England squad.

Maguire has been suggested as a makeweight for Mason Mount

Reports emerged earlier this week that the United centre-half could be offered in part exchange for Chelsea‘s Mason Mount, although the chances of the Blues being interested in such a proposal are rather slim indeed.

Newcastle have been widely tipped as another potential destination, along with the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa. The Magpies are short of numbers in the centre of defence.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles, along with first-choice pairing Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, are the club’s only options, if we discount Dan Burn who has played most of the season as a left-back.

Maguire could, therefore, strengthen a key area of the team, as well as offering some much-needed experience.