West Ham and Manchester United reached an agreement in principle to sign Maguire earlier this month. They also successfully negotiated personal arrangements, although the relocation has been delayed for a number of reasons. Maguire’s current club would be eager to sign a replacement before allowing the sale, while the player himself would prefer to be compensated with a bonus in recognition of the fact that he would earn a reduced wage in east London.
As a result, reports a few weeks ago stated that Maguire’s move from Manchester United to West Ham had been canceled. The fact that the Hammers have now recruited Konstantinos Mavropanos to play in his centre-back position may have put the final nail in the coffin for the England international.
However, according to a startling update from The Sun, West Ham have renewed their pursuit of Maguire, only a few days before the transfer window closes. They are now willing to assist Manchester United with their severance payout for the defender.
Man United are willing to pay Maguire £6 million before selling him, but he may make more by sitting out the remaining two years of his contract at Old Trafford and then signing elsewhere as a free agent.
As a result, West Ham have reportedly told Manchester United that they are willing to contribute to Maguire’s bonus if it facilitates a last-ditch deal. The transaction, though, is still said to be a long way off, which means it may be a race against time for it to materialize this summer.
Maguire is yet to play for Manchester United this season. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been their starting center-back pairing in all three Premier League games so far. There is still Victor Lindelof to contend with, while speculations suggest that Jonny Evans may have won himself a season deal after returning to the club over the summer after being released by Leicester City.
It’s unclear when Maguire’s chances will arrive if he continues at Manchester United. Even with the Mavropanos deal, there appears to be more room for Maguire at West Ham. However, the same issues that placed the move on hold in the first place are still present.