West Ham transfer news, ‘Key’ Ten Hag stance emerges amid talks - Sky

Erik ten Hag stance emerges in double Manchester United transfer talks with West Ham United - Sky Sports

Erik ten Hag is still planning for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay to be “key” men at Manchester United despite West Ham transfer talks for both men,Sky Sports reports.

The duo are among a long list of targets for David Moyes this summer, with a bid reportedly made for Scottish international midfielder McTominay, 26, that fell short of their £45million valuation [Claret & Hugh, 25 July].

After England centre-back Maguire, 30, lost the Old Trafford captaincy this summer it emerged via Sky Sports on 16 July that he was “considering” all options, including a move to the London Stadium, but so far the Hammers have been unsuccessful with a loan approach [Guardian, 17 July].

Now, according to Sky Sports on Tuesday (25 July) there is a gap in valuations between the two sides amid talks on both players, with “very big bids” reportedly required.

“As it stands, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is planning for both to be key members of the squad next season,” the report says.

Negotiating tactic?

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While it is no surprise that Manchester United aren’t ready to let either man leave for a bargain price, they appear to be back-up options at best heading into the new season.

Maguire has fallen behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane since Ten Hag came in last summer, with Victor Lindelof also competition and even Jonny Evans surprisingly now back in the mix.

In terms of midfield spots McTominay looks to be behind at least Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and new-signing from Chelsea Mason Mount, even if Fred leaves this summer.

So it seems somewhat of a stretch for Ten Hag to view the pair as “key” unless he is planning for a major change in direction.

The Dutchman is bound to be happy to keep two solid players in his squad for if he needs them during the season, but it is hard not to see the door open to sign either if Moyes really wants them.

Whether the Irons should break the bank for one or both is a matter of opinion, with various signings looking necessary and time running out to do it.

But if they do plan to make a push it would make sense to get on with it and bring them in to spend as much time as possible getting up to speed with Moyes’ methods.

_In other West Ham news,the Irons are at risk of being hijacked after talks to sign another target after his former manager arrived with a new bid. _