West Ham United are considering a fresh approach to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire during the January transfer window, according to ESPN.
The England international was the subject of interest from the Hammers earlier in the summer, but the centre-back was reluctant to leave the Red Devils.
However, this has not ended the speculation over his future and Maguire recently said that he will weigh up his options if he struggles for regular game time.
It is now reported that the Hammers are considering a winter move to sign Maguire, should he continue to receive limited playing time heading into January.
The east London outfit see him as a potential replacement for captain Kurt Zouma, who could be the subject of bids from the Saudi Pro League this winter.
The Frenchman has been handed the captaincy following Declan Rice’s departure, but he has yet to commit to a new contract beyond the summer of 2025.
Maguire unlikely to leave in January unless United find successor
The Red Devils were keen on landing Benjamin Pavard as a replacement for Maguire over the summer, but their plans were hampered by the latter’s decision to stay.
Despite this, they are monitoring alternative targets. Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo could be a realistic option for United in January. Erik ten Hag has already spoken with him.
If United are given the green light to land the Frenchman, they could open the door for Maguire’s switch to east London. Maguire could accept the move this time around.
Maguire, who was valued at £30 million over the summer, needs to be playing regular first-team football at club level such that he is fully prepared for the Euro 2024 campaign.
It is quite clear that England manager Gareth Southgate won’t drop him despite the reduced game time, but he needs plenty of minutes on a personal level before the big tournament.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
