Manchester United Reject Fresh Approach for Harry Maguire as Transfer Window Deadline Approaches
Manchester United have reportedly rejected a fresh approach from West Ham for defender Harry Maguire, signaling that they are no longer willing to entertain selling the 30-year-old before the transfer window closes. Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under manager Erik ten Hag and is now effectively the fifth-choice option, even behind left-back Luke Shaw.
Earlier this month, United had accepted a bid of £30 million from West Ham for Maguire, but the deal fell through. Maguire was said to be reluctant to move to east London and give up Champions League football, as well as take a significant pay cut. However, West Ham manager David Moyes remains keen on signing the former Leicester City man and attempted to find a late solution by offering to contribute to a pay-off that would compensate for his lower salary.
According to The Times, United have blocked West Ham’s approach and will not allow Maguire to leave before the transfer window deadline on Friday. This decision has been influenced by the injury to Shaw and an issue picked up by Raphael Varane in Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest. Assuming Victor Lindelof replaces Varane in the short-term, Maguire would be the only available cover at centre-back.
United are currently in the market for a new emergency left-back due to the injuries to Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, who are both sidelined until the end of the year. They have made contact with several clubs and have potential deals lined up for players such as Marc Cucurella, Sergio Reguilon, and Marcos Alonso. The club is also set to seal a £4.3 million deal for goalkeeper Altay Bayindir once Dean Henderson completes his move to Crystal Palace. Additionally, Ten Hag is looking to bring in a new midfielder.
With so much business still to do, United does not have time to bring in a high-level replacement for Maguire and has therefore decided to keep him. Maguire himself is eager to stay and fight for his place in the team.
The situation surrounding Maguire’s future has been a topic of interest throughout the transfer window, with Everton also expressing interest in signing the defender. However, it seems that United are now determined to hold on to Maguire and rely on him as part of their defensive options.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, United will need to finalize their deals for new signings and address their injury crisis at the back. The club is actively working to strengthen the squad and ensure they have sufficient cover in all positions.
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In conclusion, Manchester United’s rejection of West Ham’s fresh approach for Harry Maguire indicates that they are no longer willing to sell the defender before the transfer window closes. With injuries to other players and the need to bring in new signings, United has decided to keep Maguire as part of their defensive options. The club is actively working to strengthen the squad and address their injury crisis before the transfer window deadline.