Newcastle United have been shockingly linked with a move for maligned Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, according to a report from The Sun.

Despite this, as things stand, the Magpies are only interested in a loan move for Maguire. Manchester United, meanwhile, are looking to secure a permanent move for the player – they are unwilling to let him leave the club on loan to St. James’ Park.

While United do not want to loan Maguire out to Newcastle, they could consider letting him move on loan to Aston Villa – perhaps because Unai’s Emery’s team will not be competing against them in the Champions League next season.

Who else, besides Newcastle, is interested in a move for Harry Maguire?

Currently, Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race for Maguire’s signature. As mentioned, Aston Villa have also registered a fleeting interest in the 30-year-old.

Leicester City, who Maguire has previously played for, were also thought to be interested in a move – but their relegation to the Championship has forced them to look elsewhere.

Harry Maguire’s eclectic career so far

Maguire joined Sheffield United’s youth academy of in 2011. He swiftly established himself as a commanding defender for the Blades, putting his massive frame and excellent defensive positioning to good use.

He made the jump to Hull City in 2014. During his time with the Tigers, he also enjoyed a brief loan spell at Wigan Athletic. He made 54 appearances for Hull, scoring two goals, before moving to Leicester City in 2017.

At Leicester, he began to attract attention from major Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, who signed him for a fee of around £80 million. This made him the most expensive defender ever at the time – a record that still stands to this day.

His time at United has been mixed at best. His limitations as a footballer have been on show far too many times – could he get a new lease of life at St. James’ Park?