The future of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been a major talking point across the transfer world after he recently lost the captain's armband at Old Trafford. West Ham United are certainly the main club being linked with signing him, so what is the latest in this potential summer switch?
Maguire may be a regular starter for Gareth Southgate in the England squad, but he has found minutes hard to come by for Manchester United as the previous season progressed. Reds boss Erik ten Hag seemingly prefers Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez as his central defensive pairing, and Maguire has been considering his future as a result.
Bruno Fernandes was subsequently named as Maguire's replacement as Man Utd skipper, and since then talk over a move to West Ham has increased by the day. Tottenham Hotspur are another side mentioned in the equation, but it appears David Moyes is keen on bringing him to the club, and have already seen a loan move rejected according to The Guardian.
Harry Maguire to West Ham: The latest developments
West Ham did see an initial loan offer turned down, but Sky Sports reports that they are in talks with Man Utd over possibly signing Maguire. It has recently been claimed by Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth that West Ham are now making progress in this deal. The club are also keen on a move for Scott McTominay, but a move for Maguire looks more realistic as things stand.
Whilst United have previously stated they did not want Maguire, or McTominay, to leave, it would appear they are now seriously considering that prospect. The Hammers produced a £30million offer for the former Sheffield United and Hull City central defender, as per Sky Sports, after seeing an initial £20million bid also rejected by the Old Trafford club.
Another problem with regards to Maguire joining The Hammers is wages. He remains under contract with Man Utd for a further two years, plus there is of course the question of if the player even wants to make the move. Whilst he would be virtually guaranteed regular starts at West Ham, he may still feel as though he can fight for his place at a major club near the top of the table.
Up until very recently, the deal which took Maguire to United from Leicester in 2019 had been the most expensive transfer for a defender in football history, things have since changed. That accolade still remains in Manchester, where it is Pep Guardiola's City who recently completed the signing of Joško Gvardiol from Red Bull Leipzig for €90million. Whatever happens, United will make a loss on Maguire when he does eventually move on.
