West Ham are considering a new approach for Harry Maguire in January if his lack of playing time continues at Manchester United, sources have told ESPN.
The east London club held a series of talks with United over the summer, but Maguire ultimately remained at Old Trafford to continue the fight to resurrect his career under Erik ten Hag.
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Speaking earlier this week at St George’s Park, the 30-year-old said he had not turned down a move to the London Stadium.
“The actual opportunity to go to West Ham hasn’t really been agreed between the two clubs and myself,” he said.
“It wasn’t just an opportunity for me to say, ‘Yes, I’m going.’ It hasn’t been agreed between the two clubs, so the real opportunity hasn’t been there because we haven’t gone far enough with it.”
Maguire has reiterated his desire to make a success of his time at United but after starting just two of the club’s 11 games this season, he added: “I’m not going to sit here my whole life playing once a month and if it continues I’m sure the club and I will sit down and discuss some things.
Sources have told ESPN that West Ham have been encouraged that a deal could be reinstated in January, especially as United are not expected to stand in the way of his departure.
David Moyes remains a keen admirer of Maguire and a move could also be triggered by the possibility of West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma joining the Saudi Pro League in January.
West Ham are keen to tie Zouma down to a new contract given his existing deal expires in the summer of 2025.
Moyes named the 28-year-old club captain following Declan Rice’s summer departure to Arsenal and talks are underway over a new deal.
However, Saudi Pro League clubs – four of which are now owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) – have spent big money this summer to bring many of Europe’s top stars to the Middle East and intend to do it again in January. .
Zouma is said to be one of the names the PIF would be prepared to target if West Ham fail to agree a deal, sources have told ESPN.
