Express & Star

Sheffield United reject Wolves' bid for Harry Maguire

By
Published
Last updated

Wolves opening £1m bid for Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire has been rejected by the Bramall Lane club.

But the newly-promoted Championship still expect to land their first signing in the summer recruitment programme by agreeing terms with Peterborough's Tommy Rowe next week.

The rejection of the first Molineux bid for Maguire, the Blades stand-out performer during their League One campaign, will do nothing to deter Wolves who can now be expected to construct an improved offer.

The 21-year-old central defender, named Player and Young Player of the Year by Blades fans, is at the top end of Jackett's list of targets as he strengthens his squad for the Championship challenge ahead.

United are desperate to hang on to their outstanding young prospect, who will be going into the last year of his contract next month.

They are preparing their own improved deal in an effort to persuade the home-grown Sheffield-born defender to stay. Manager Nigel Clough is currently on holiday but is trying to convince the 6ft 4in prospect that his development will be best served by another year within his Yorkshire roots.

But the offer from Wolves has caught Maguire's attention and is thought to be favoured amid rival attentions of other Championship clubs which include Middlesbrough and Leeds.

The deal for Rowe is much more straightforward after the 25-year-old wide player ran down his contract to become a free agent this summer.

Peterborough chairman Darren MacAnthony took to the social networks last week to admit he "feared" Rowe was off to Molineux and the indications from Molineux are that they are optimistic of securing his signature next week.

Rowe can play either on the left or in the centre of midfield and scored nine goals from 43 appearances last season.