Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire is reportedly open to leaving Old Trafford this summer but has his sights set on joining a club larger than West Ham United.
The Hammers allegedly made a £20m bid for Maguire, but it was rejected by the Red Devils. Manchester United is indicating that they expect a higher fee for the player they acquired for £80m four years ago.
There have been conflicting reports about West Ham’s potential counteroffer, but David Moyes’s side remains interested in signing the England international.
Maguire recently received a pay rise in his contract, which still has two years left to run, and Erik ten Hag, the head coach of Manchester United, has expressed his desire to retain the 30-year-old defender.
However, Maguire’s chances of securing regular starts in the upcoming season appear slim, given that Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof are all ahead of him in the pecking order. Additionally, Luke Shaw was often chosen over him in the central defense last season.
A lack of playing time could also adversely affect Maguire’s chances of starting for England in the European Championship next summer, provided that the Three Lions qualify for the tournament.
The Mirror reports that Maguire is open to the idea of leaving Manchester United but would prefer to join a club of greater stature than West Ham, who will participate in the Europa League next season.
Last season’s disappointing Premier League campaign saw Moyes’s side finish in 14th place, but they managed to secure the Europa Conference League title by defeating Fiorentina in the final.
Newcastle United, who will play in the Champions League next term, have also shown interest in the former Sheffield United youngster.
Maguire moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019 and has since made 175 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions.
During the previous season, Maguire featured 31 times for Ten Hag’s side, but he started in just 16 of those matches in the Premier League.
Rumors suggesting that Manchester United will sign another centre-back this summer have cooled down. However, it is understood that the club is considering re-signing Jonny Evans, who featured in two friendlies for the club this summer.
Jonny Evans is available on a free transfer following his release from Leicester City. The Northern Ireland international has impressed during his brief appearances, leading the club to contemplate offering him a contract until the summer of 2024.