15 July 2023 , 21:55
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West Ham are set to launch a move for Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire after selling captain Declan Rice to Arsenal.
The Gunners paid £105million to sign England international Rice from the Hammers, with boss David Moyes keen to immediately utilise the boost to his transfer kitty. Given his side's flirtation with relegation from the Premier League last season, Moyes is keen to upgrade his defence.
That has led him to Maguire, with the England international not part of Erik ten Hag 's plans at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are ready to move him on just four years after paying Leicester a record £80m fee for his services.
West Ham are ready to take advantage of United's desire to move Maguire on, with the Daily Telegraph reporting they will target him now that Rice has left. Given they are now flush with cash, the Hammers are looking to 'test Maguire's resolve' to stay and fight for his United place.
The Englishman plummeted down the pecking order at United last season, making just 16 appearances in the Premier League. Instead, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were Ten Hag's preferred pairing at centre-back.
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Despite that, Maguire is said to believe he can break back into the team and retake his place. That desire could be tested though, with Moyes putting him high up his list of targets in central defence.
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West Ham are eyeing a move for Harry Maguire after selling Declan Rice (James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)Despite the £105m sale of Rice, as it stands, West Ham are only looking at signing him on loan, rather than a permanent deal. Though England boss Gareth Southgate has continued to select him, it is widely viewed that his United career is over.
With Rice now settling in at the Emirates Stadium, West Ham are looking to bring in a number of recruits. Maguire is their top target, though his continuing status as captain at United may make it difficult to tempt him into leaving.
The 30-year-old has been given extra time off before returning for pre-season after taking part in England's June internationals. Back in April, he admitted his frustration at being sidelined by Ten Hag.
“I’m not going to stand here and say I love it, or that I like it. I don’t. I want to play every game and I have done for the last eight years of my career. Also I have to respect the manager and his decisions and also respect how good the competition is at centre-back at this club," he said.
"Of course I want to play every game and I’m sure if you spoke to our centre-backs in their roles, they will all be disappointed when sat on the bench. It is not like I’ve been frozen out or not been involved.
"I’m still playing a lot of games but obviously as a footballer I want to play every game. But I’m sure every other centre-back in the dressing room does as well and the manager cannot play all four.”