Manchester United have rejected West Ham United’s £30million bid for Scott McTominay but are continuing talks over Harry Maguire.
The Athletic reported on Monday that the London club had offered £30million for Maguire, and though this has not been accepted at Old Trafford, negotiations are ongoing.
A separate £30million bid from West Ham was made for midfielder McTominay. This was turned down, however, with United valuing the 26-year-old at more than £40million. Erik ten Hag would ideally like to keep hold of McTominay.
Maguire’s situation is more open, with the 30-year-old in need of games to retain his place in Gareth Southgate’s England side. Ten Hag would sanction a sale at the right price so he can reinvest in his squad.
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Harry Kane recommended for Tottenham to make a move for Maguire, his international team-mate, due to his experience and leadership, but the club are yet to make a formal approach. Spurs have signed Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.
West Ham sold their leading midfielder, and captain, Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier this summer and have reached a verbal agreement with Ajax on a £32m move for Edson Alvarez.
They are also considering a fresh approach for James Ward-Prowse after seeing a £30million offer rejected by Southampton.
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How much do United want to keep McTominay?
Analysis by Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell
Ten Hag appreciates McTominay’s unique profile in his squad. He is a tall, athletic midfielder who has come through the ranks and is good at keeping team-mates in check for standards.
That being said, his opportunities to play are limited by Mason Mount’s arrival and United would allow a sale if the money made sense.
Does Maguire have a future at United?
Maguire could of course stay at United, indeed that has been his intention this summer.
Ten Hag would be happy to use him as one of four centre-backs. But Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are likely to be selected ahead of him, and he is no longer in the pool of captains, with McTominay and Tom Heaton wearing the armband ahead of him in pre-season.
That is making West Ham’s approach more appealing.
(Photo: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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