Erik ten Hag 'optimistic' Man Utd can sign Real Madrid star David Alaba

Erik ten Hag is “optimistic” Manchester United can sign Real Madrid’s David Alaba to replace Harry Maguire, according to a fresh report.

On Sunday Maguire revealed he had been stripped of the United captaincy after three-and-a-half years as skipper.

The England international retained the armband last season despite losing his first-choice status, however, this term Ten Hag has opted to change his captain, with United willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old.

West Ham’s interest in Maguire has been widely reported, but their proposal of a loan, potentially with an option to buy, is unlikely to appeal to United.

Moreover, Maguire received a considerable salary increase upon United qualifying for the Champions League, which has also made it more challenging for the centre-back to find a new club.

As per the Guardian, Maguire has given “mixed messages” to West Ham regarding his readiness to join, with the player only likely to leave for what he considers the “right club”.

Though Maguire reportedly wants to fight for his place at United, Ten Hag has reportedly already identified the England star’s replacement.

United interested in Alaba?

According to Spanish outlet Nacional via Football365, United are interested in signing Real Madrid centre-back Alaba.

The 31-year-old, who joined Los Blancos in 2021 upon the expiry of his Bayern Munich contract, only started 21 La Liga encounters last term.

And the Spanish publication said that Alaba could follow in Casemiro’s footsteps by making a surprise move to Old Trafford.

Indeed, Alaba is said to be “considering the idea of listening” to United’s offer, with the Old Trafford club set to “guarantee a much higher” wage than the Austrian’s current salary.

Nacional added that Ten Hag is “optimistic” a deal can be struck, with the manager confident he will “be able to seduce” the defender to accept a move to the Premier League.