Erik ten Hag blocked Harry Maguire exit in January amid West Ham United interest
West Ham United transfer target Harry Maguire was blocked from moving clubs in January by manager Erik ten Hag but is part of a six-man transfer exit list for the summer, according to The Mirror.
The Hammers made a “serious” move to sign the England International in the winter window, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon (Patreon, 18 January), after the departure of centre-back Craig Dawson to Wolves.
However, The Mirror has revealed (Monday 6 February) that The Red Devils manager refused to sanction Maguire’s exit in January due to the upcoming workload over the remainder of the season, with the club still fighting in four different competitions.
They wrote: “Maguire was heavily linked with a move to Inter or Premier League rivals West Ham, but Ten Hag pulled the plug on a transfer away for the England international.
“However, it is understood Ten Hag has named Maguire as one of six players that will be allowed to move on to pastures new at the end of the season.”
Outpriced?
Although Maguire has had his fair share of critics over the years at Old Trafford, there is no denying he has all the attributes to be a top Premier League defender.
The magnitude of his transfer to Manchester United and the pressure that has fallen on his shoulders as a result has been the main reason for his downfall, and a fresh start would do him a world of good.
He has shown under Gareth Southgate for England the heights he can reach, and David Moyes could reignite his faltering career at the London Stadium.
The only issue would be the inevitable price tag that would be slapped on the 29-year-old’s head. After investing £80million in the defender in 2019, United will want to rinse out every drop of money for his services they can, and West Ham may be outpaced as a result.
And after forking out for defenders Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd last summer, it is unlikely Moyes will be given the funds to get this move over the line.