West Ham boss David Moyes has confirmed that Premier League rivals Manchester United have ‘accepted’ their £30 million bid for England international Harry Maguire.
While Erik ten Hag did suggest at his own press conference that his former captain could still be available for Monday’s clash with Wolves, we have learned at this point to take the Dutchman’s public utterances with a pinch of salt (talkSPORT).
After all, it is not long since Ten Hag was expressing his confidence that Harry Maguire could still force his way into the Manchester United XI, despite falling behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof last term.
Man United open to Harry Maguire sale
The Red Devils, on Wednesday, gave Maguire the green light to join West Ham after receiving a £30 million offer from the UEFA Conference League holders (The Athletic).
And while Moyes was reluctant to give too much away, he did admit that the two clubs are on the same page regarding Maguire’s price tag.
“We’ve had a bit accepted from Manchester United,” said the former Old Trafford boss. “But while he’s not our player I’m not in position to discuss him, really.”
West Ham take on Bournemouth in their own Premier League opener on Saturday. After waiting almost the entire summer for their first signing, three could arrive within the blink of an eye. Alongside Maguire, West Ham have agreed a deal for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse while Edson Alvarez joins from Ajax.
Insert your own ‘London bus-themed’ pun here.
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Sale imminent
There is still work to do before Maguire can be officially confirmed in a claret-and-blue shirt, however. According to The Sun, he could be due a sizeable pay-off from United should he accept a £90,000-a-week wage cut at the London Stadium.
“I think it’s a good signing. Potentially he will be the captain. (Giving him the armband) might have been part of the negotiations,” West Ham legend Tony Cottee tells talkSPORT (10 August, 11am), Maguire potentially inheriting Declan Rice’s armband.
“I like centre-halves who are captains.
“He is a good player. You watch him in the World Cup, he’s a good player. Of course he’s had a bad time at Manchester United but he can be an absolute hero (at West Ham).
“The fans will love him.”