West Ham United transfer news as Harry Maguire now open to move after £30m offer made
West Ham United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire with the England international now open to a move to East London, according to the Evening Standard.
According to the report (8 August), Maguire is now excited by the prospect of joining David Moyes’ side this summer after the Hammers made a bid of around £60m for Maguire and Scott McTominay (The Athletic, 7 August) for which the two clubs are continuing talks.
The Red Devils are ready to offload Maguire and West Ham are optimistic they can strike a deal for the England centre-back but are unwilling to pay his £190,000-a-week wages.
However, it is hoped the England international can come to an agreement with United to help cover his salary, according to the Evening Standard.
Green light
After several reports emerged over the past couple of weeks regarding Maguire’s desire to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place in Erik ten Hag’s side, it seems as if the 30-year-old has now realised how limited his minutes will be should he remain at Old Trafford.
And this latest development certainly suggests that West Ham United have now been given the green light to push for a move for Maguire, with the former United captain now excited by the prospect of playing for Moyes.
It is also believed that the Scottish coach would be willing to hand Maguire the captain’s armband (ExWHUemployee, 7 August) as a potential incentive and given his experience, leadership and defensive qualities, it is absolutely the correct decision.
Certainly, Maguire has indeed had his fair share of criticism during his Manchester United career but he still remains a top-quality centre-back but more crucially, a statement acquisition from the Hammers.
The former Leicester City defender will certainly transform their game under Moyes and add a new bite and character to their defence should they get this deal over the line.
It seems as if £35m will be enough to prize him away from Old Trafford and if the Hammers can come to a broad agreement over his hefty salary with Manchester United then it is certainly money well spent.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers identify a “shock” replacement for Aaron Cresswell with a new player stance emerging over a move to East London.