Report: Harry Maguire transfer to West Ham Utd collapses

West Ham United have gave up on signing Harry Maguire from Manchester United, according to The Guardian.

A fee of £30m had been agreed between the two clubs last week, but the London club grew tired of Maguire stalling the move, creating uncertainty about whether the player actually wanted to move. In addition to this, Maguire was reportedly asking for a fee around £7million from United to subsidise the difference between his wage at Old Trafford and his new proposed wage at West Ham.

United and Erik Ten Hag consider Maguire to be their 3rd choice right centre-back as it stands, so it was never in the best interest of anybody – for footballing reasons – to have this transfer fall through. The United boss has been persistent in urging Maguire to fight for his place, but still finds himself behind Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelöf in the pecking order. However, the Red Devils probably feel they have less to lose now that Maguire stays. No replacement is necessary despite reports of discussions to bring Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard to the club, which now looks unlikely.

Sources close to Sky Sports told them the following:

"Harry respects West Ham and David Moyes, but to be clear there was never an agreement in place between Harry and West Ham.The process was less advanced than portrayed in the media. For example, at no point has Harry spoken to David Moyes.Harry remains settled at United, loves the club and believes he will get plenty of opportunities to play this season.”"

The deal may yet be revived between now and the end of August, but the next few weeks hold a key stage in Maguire’s career.

Maguire’s decision over what happens in the remainder of the transfer window will play a pivotal factor in the season ahead, and more personally for him, the next summer ahead. Being fifth choice centre-back is most definitely not ideal when he wants to play for England at Euro 2024. West Ham and David Moyes would offer him the platform and playing style that suits him and propel his stock back to where it was at Leicester City.