West Ham United could wait weeks for Manchester United to lower Harry Maguire price demands – Fabrizio Romano
West Ham United could face a long wait should they move to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
According to the transfer guru, writing on his exclusive CaughtOffside substack column (18 July), nothing is happening yet regarding the England international as clubs who want to sign him could wait “days and weeks” should the Reds lower their asking price.
The Guardian reported on 17 July that the Hammers are exploring a loan move with an option to buy with Manchester United setting a £45m asking price on the £200k-per-week defender.
Romano wrote: “It’s true that West Ham and other clubs are keen on Maguire, but the feeling is that these clubs could wait some days and weeks in case United reduce their asking price – this is why nothing is happening yet, but it’s on to watch.”
Would be a statement addition
Much has been made of Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford, following his announcement that he will no longer be Manchester United captain with Erik ten Hag reportedly placing him for sale this summer.
Given the England international struggles of late, he’d still represent a stunning opportunity for clubs like West Ham United but his £45m big money price tag is indeed a stumbling block coupled with his hefty wages.
Certainly, the East Londoners have the resources to explore the move, following their £105m windfall from the Declan Rice but that cash has got to be spent wisely, but still Maguire would immediately improve and bolster their defensive ranks should this deal happen.
The question remains whether West Ham would want to wait for Manchester United to lower their demands.
With Moyes a big fan of Maguire, it seems likely they’ll wait but with the club making moves on other defensive names such as Luiz Felipe, United’s ambition to sell him this summer could prove very difficult.
In other West Ham news, a super-rich club has launched an enquiry into a star player who could follow Declan Rice out of the door as his agent may engineer a transfer.