Harry Maguire is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the season and the Red Devils are unlikely to offer the England defender a new deal to keep him at Old TraffordManchester United defender Harry Maguire(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)

Harry Maguire could be set for a surprising switch to the Saudi Pro League. The Manchester United defender’s contract expires in June, and he has caught the attention of Saudi clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq.

The England centre-back will be free to negotiate with other clubs when we hit January 1. If he leaves United on a free transfer next summer, Maguire could demand substantial wages should he opt to join the Pro-League.

Last season, United activated a 12-month extension in Maguire’s contract, a situation he discussed in August. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: “Last year, the clause was in their hands, so there was no option for me there.

“There was no talking. It was just that they activated it, and it got extended. This year, obviously I’m up at the end of the year.

“I’m pretty sure the club have made it aware this summer that I can’t leave the club on any terms with other clubs enquiring about my things and my position with my contract.

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“I’m sure over the next few months they’ll sit down and we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend, or obviously the transfer window will open again in January.

“Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and what I want to be.

“I don’t want to put it out there to everybody, but it’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.”

However, it’s believed that United bosses are unlikely to offer Maguire a new contract this summer to keep him at Old Trafford.

Maguire, who turns 33 in March, might be tempted to capitalise on what could be the final lucrative move of his career. A potential switch to Al-Nassr would reunite him with former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo.

The central defender has earned 64 England caps and hopes to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the next World Cup. However, after being omitted from this week’s squad by the Three Lions manager, it seems increasingly doubtful that Maguire will participate in a third World Cup finals.