Tottenham exploring Harry Maguire bid ahead of a potential swoop for out-of-favour Man United defender this summer... with Spurs set to accelerate recruitment drive after Ange Postecoglou's arrival

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Tottenham have an interest in Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire as the north London club press ahead with their summer transfer plans following the appointment of new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

England defender Maguire’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain with United boss Erik ten Hag open to selling his captain ahead of next season.

The centre-back is not pushing to leave United, but is keeping an open mind about his future as he enters the summer transfer window.

Spurs are understood to have made checks on Maguire’s situation ahead of a potential move later this summer.

The confirmation of Postecoglou’s appointment from Celtic on a four-year deal will now see Spurs accelerate their recruitment plans, with the 57-year-old to play a key role in deciding on the club’s targets.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has emerged as a transfer target for Tottenham

Newly-appointed boss Ange Postecoglou has taken an interest in the England international

But Maguire is an option with Tottenham well placed to move should there be a collective decision to target a swoop for the experienced defender.

The former Leicester star is a peripheral figure at United and there are no indications that his first-team chances will improve next season.

Ten Hag has admitted the centre-half has a decision to make over his future, while England boss Gareth Southgate has expressed concerns over Maguire’s bit-part role at United after admitting the 30-year-old risks losing his international place if he continues his bench role.

Any move for Maguire is likely to welcomed by Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who has a close relationship with his England team-mate.

Of course, Kane’s future is also unclear with Real Madrid and United both vying for his signature this summer.

Centre-back is an area of the pitch Tottenham will look to strengthen this summer; Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi another player of interest.

In addition to Maguire, the Leicester attacker James Maddison is admired. Intriguingly, Maddison and Postecoglou are represented by the same management agency.

With club captain Hugo Lloris also set to leave, Tottenham are targeting Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya, who is rated at £40million.

United boss Erik ten Hag is willing to allow the club captain to depart in the summer window

Leicester's James Maddison has also been identified as a potential transfer option for Spurs

In confirming Postecoglou’s appointment as Spurs boss, chairman Daniel Levy said: ‘Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.

‘He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy - everything that is important to our club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.’

Postecoglou added: ‘They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.

‘It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters. Culminating in the treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey.

The Australian bid an emotional farewell to Celtic before signing his deal with Tottenham

‘They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football.

‘Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. 

'My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that.

‘Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more - and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.’