Moyes could splash out on £4m-rated Sheffield United defender Maguire in view to replace Rio and Vidic



David Moyes will be hoping Manchester United’s January transfer dealings are of more consequence than last month’s damp squib and with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both the wrong side of 30, he may well pursue defensive reinforcements.

With that in mind, will he consider the merits of Sheffield United centre-back Harry Maguire?



Sir Alex Ferguson certainly did last season. Sportsmail has learned the Premier League champions were regular attendees at the Blades’ promotion near-miss in League One and that 20-year old prospect Maguire was the player they were watching.

On their radar: Harry Maguire (right) was being scouted by Manchester United last season

A commanding presence, the sturdily-built 6ft 4in defender is surprisingly comfortable on the ball and recently broke into the England Under 21 ranks.



He doesn’t lack experience, either, as this will be his third full season as a first-team regular.



He is likely to cost United around £4million, but compared with Phil Jones (£16.5m) and Chris Smalling (£8m), he could be a bargain.

Maguire is about to reach a landmark at Sheffield United as he and centre-back partner Neill Collins are to play their 100th match together on Saturday against Carlisle.