Latest developments
- West Ham United are thought to be pursuing Manchester United's Harry Maguire.
- The Hammers previously had a £20 million bid rejected.
- The East Londoners' transfer policy could change amid rumours of a managerial switch.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Source worked with both clubs
West Ham are believed to be one of plenty of Premier League clubs interested in Man Utd's Harry Maguire, and have already had one bid rejected for the centre-back.
This news reported by footballinsider247.com comes from Mick Brown, a scout who spent a decade at Old Trafford and worked at West Ham when they had a £20 million offer turned down.
Value (2.5/5): Would United take £20 million now?
Sold to United for £80 million in 2019, Maguire's value is now £14.9 million, according to Transfermarkt, as the Englishman failed to impress Erik ten Hag and doesn't seem to be part of Ruben Amorim's plans.
With Maguire's contract expiring in the summer, January is their last chance to get a few quid back on him, and West Ham would be wise to test the waters with a bid under £20 million.
Suitability (3.5/5): Which Manager?
Julen Lopetegui's days at the London Stadium have been numbered since he arrived, and Graham Potter is the latest man linked with the Spaniard's job. Whoever the West Ham boss is come January could have a huge bearing on whether Maguire will be wanted.
But at least he could operate in Lopetegui's back four, no problem, while his vast Premier League experience is not to be sniffed at.
Upgrade? (3/5): Which Maguire?
As well as which manager, another question is which Maguire will West Ham get? The error-prone one that seldom looks comfortable in a United shirt, or the one that put in countless faultless performances for England and Leicester City?
Is he can upgrade on Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Kostas Mavropanos? It depends which Maguire you get, but the 31-year-old should be confident of getting into that team.
Logic (4/5): Harry wants to stay
This week, Maguire has said he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford in January, and has not given up hope of signing a new contract.
But given how the likes of Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho have flourished after a move away from United, it wouldn't hurt Maguire to try the same approach, especially if he has ambitions of returning to the England squad.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Given the history of rejected bids and the source's links to both parties, this rumour seems to have plenty of meat. There are plenty of questions surrounding Maguire and West Ham's immediate futures, but they could well be tackling them together.
