West Ham United transfer news: Harry Maguire one step closer to Manchester United departure, optimism grows
West Ham United have moved a step closer to signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, according to insider Claret & Hugh.
According to the Hammers insiders (4 August), there is growing optimism between the two parties that an agreement can be reached in order for the England international to move to the London Stadium.
Newspaper journalist Alan Nixon reported on 4 August, writing on his Patreon account that the process to sign both Maguire and Scotland international Scott McTominay has begun with the pair undergoing “long-distance medicals”.
However, according to Claret & Hugh (4 August), such reports have been denied and Maguire’s current valuation appears difficult to broker with West Ham having a £20m bid rejected on 28 July [The Athletic]. But, there remains a growing optimism between the two parties that an agreement can be reached.
Maguire needs to think of future
Maguire’s intentions and desire to remain at Old Trafford and prove his worth to Erik ten Hag have certainly been made abundantly clear, but no matter how many times he’ll reiterate that stance, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane remain Ten Hag’s best options, with Victor Lindelof and even left-back Luke Shaw ahead of Maguire in the pecking order.
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.
Is West Ham United the right club for him to continue his career? That decision certainly lies with him, if he is to leave. It may seem unlikely but Claret & Hugh’s latest insider information appears to suggest that Maguire’s stance may have changed.
Ultimately though, Maguire will have next summer’s Euro 2024 at the back of his mind and his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans could be in serious jeopardy if he doesn’t move and seek pastures new.
David Moyes is clearly a big fan of his and the former Leicester City will be playing week-in and week-out for a club desperate to sign him and possess his undoubted centre-back qualities and leadership.
Certainly, West Ham may be a step down from the Old Trafford glamour, but this is Maguire’s long-term future on the line.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are surely well positioned to seal the signing of this burgeoning £15m Manchester City talent.