West Ham fail with Harry Maguire loan offer and Palhinha bid
By Story Agencies, July 18, 2023West Ham have had a loan offer for Harry Maguire dismissed by Manchester United and a bid for João Palhinha turned away by Fulham.
West Ham are looking to spend after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal and are stepping up their interest in two of their key targets.
They want to replace Rice with two midfielders – along with targeting Palhinha, talks are being held over a move for Ajax’s Edson Álvarez – and David Moyes’s desire to bring in a central defender led him to set his sights on Maguire.
United are ready to listen to offers for Maguire, who is considering his options after being told he is not part of Ten Hag’s long-term plans, but moving him on will not be easy. West Ham are exploring a loan, potentially with an option to buy, and it is understood they feel the cost of signing the England centre-back on a permanent deal is too expensive.
Maguire received a considerable salary increase as a result of United qualifying for the Champions League and his terms are too high for West Ham, who also see little value in paying a big fee for a 30-year-old. United signed Maguire four years ago and although they are expected to make a big loss on him they are keen to raise their budget for the rest of the window by selling unwanted players.
Buyers could be thin on the ground as Maguire’s stock has fallen during his time at Old Trafford and he made only eight starts in the Premier League last season. The former Leicester defender could be faced with a choice over whether to stick it out at United or accept a move. Maguire needs to play regularly to keep his place in the England squad before Euro 2024.
Moyes wants competition for Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, who has a patchy fitness record. West Ham have handed a new deal to Angelo Ogbonna but the Italian is 35 while there are doubts over Thilo Kehrer’s future.
West Ham are under pressure to spend after selling Rice but they have not been quick off the mark.