Manchester United will not allow Harry Maguire to leave the club until one key condition is met, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Maguire has had a turbulent summer at Old Trafford, having been stripped of the captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag in July.
West Ham then had a bid accepted for the England centre-back, but talks have reportedly stalled over personal terms and the deal now looks to be in doubt.
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Speaking prior to their Premier League clash against Wolves on Monday, Ten Hag suggested that Maguire had to leave United if he didn't want to fight for his place (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back.
"He is the best for England so why shouldn't he be the best for us? But he has to prove it.
"When he is not confident enough to go with that fight then he has to go, he has to make the decision. But I am happy with him."
Maguire was named among the substitutes to take on Wolves, but is behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
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Now, Romano has revealed what it will take for United to allow the defender to leave the club.
Romano reveals Maguire can leave Man Utd on one condition
Speaking on The United Stand, Romano explained that Maguire cannot leave United until the club are in advanced discussions with his replacement - but he is still firmly in talks with West Ham.
He explained: "Manchester United really want to advance on a replacement before they give the final green light for the Harry Maguire deal.
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"This is why they contacted Bayern last week, and why they are speaking to [Jean-Clair] Todibo's representatives to make sure they know the conditions of the deal.
"The second point is personal terms. The conversation with United and Maguire about his salary, and the discussions between Maguire and West Ham about his new salary.
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"At the moment, there is still no green light [from Manchester United]. Let's see what happens today and tomorrow - they are still working on the new salary.
"Everything is ready. The deal is there between the two clubs [United and West Ham]."
As well as Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmund Tapsoba, having missed out on Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich earlier in the window.
Maguire, meanwhile, will be playing his football at the London Stadium next season - should all parties come to terms over an acceptable deal.
Topics: Fabrizio Romano, Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Premier League, West Ham United, Transfers