Postecoglou ‘key’ as Spurs ‘check the situation’ of Man Utd outcast in potential Kane ploy

Jason Soutar
Ange Postecoglou and Harry Maguire

New Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou is interested in making Manchester United captain Harry Maguire his first signing, according to reports.

Maguire is facing a summer of uncertainty after losing his place in the Red Devils’ starting XI ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

England manager Gareth Southgate has kept his faith in the 30-year-old but did recently admit that the player risks losing his international place should he remain a bit-part player at Old Trafford.

A summer transfer seems to be the best outcome for the player and club and Newcastle United and Tottenham are two clubs being linked with Maguire.

Both clubs are expected to sign at least one central defender and Maguire would be a stellar acquisition for either side, even if his reputation – at club level anyway – has taken a major hit over the last two years.

Spurs confirmed the appointment of Postecoglou on Tuesday morning and a report from the Daily Mail says the Australian is hoping to make Maguire his first signing of the summer.

MAILBOX: Welcome to Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou. And good f***ing luck, because you’ll need it…

The north London club’s summer business is expected to accelerate now Daniel Levy has finally appointed a new permanent manager after Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason’s interim spells.

It is noted that Maguire ‘is not pushing’ for an exit this summer but has an ‘open mind’ going into the window after Spurs ‘made checks’ on his ‘situation’ in Manchester.

Postecoglou is expected to ‘play a key role’ in Spurs’ summer plans and the Australian head coach will be happy to take advantage of Maguire’s lack of playing time under Erik ten Hag.

Another boost in his pursuit is the mention of Harry Kane, who is ‘close’ friends with his England teammate. Maybe Maguire’s arrival is enough to convince Kane to snub Real Madrid and United to sign a five-year contract at Spurs, who knows?!

The report adds that Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is another target for the Londoners.

The same outlet reported earlier on Tuesday that Wolves’ Max Kilman is a target for Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs were very poor defensively in 2022/23 and it would not be a surprise to see Postecoglou sign two of the three centre-backs mentioned.

As well as a new defender, Spurs are targeting a goalkeeper following the exit of club captain Hugo Lloris. Brentford’s David Raya is believed to be a top target and will be available for £40million in the summer.

READ MORE: Postecoglou might not be the ‘elite coach’ Levy promised, but could be just what Spurs need