West Ham are reportedly the current favourites to sign Manchester United and England centre-back Harry Maguire during the January transfer window.
The 30-year-old has had an up-and-down career in recent years, having joined United for an eye-watering £80m back in the summer of 2019.
While Maguire has largely impressed in an England shirt, proving to be a key man at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, his performances for the Red Devils have flattered to deceive as time has gone on.
The defender has found himself under increasing scrutiny and out of favour at Old Trafford, and he is no longer a regular starter when everyone is fit.
It could be that Magiure leaves United in January, should he decide that a fresh challenge is needed, and West Ham have been linked with signing him numerous times in recent months.
Now, a new report from Football Insider claims that the Hammers are “at the front of the queue” to snap up the former Leicester City man in January, should he decide to leave at that point.
That being said, it is stated that a deal “will be hard to do” in the next transfer window, with Maguire content with staying at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.
There is no doubt that the centre-back’s stock has fallen dramatically in recent years, with so much criticism coming his way, but he could still be a strong signing by West Ham if they can strike a deal for him.
Maguire’s lack of pace isn’t suited to United’s style of play, with Erik ten Hag often opting for a high line, but David Moyes could use him differently and get the best out of him.
For all his poor performances at times, he is also capable of excellence, as shown for England – he started all five matches at the World Cup last year – and he can be a dominant aerial presence and someone who provides leadership at the back.
At 30 years of age, Maguire is now an experienced head, but one who could still be around at a high level for three of four years, and he could kickstart his career again for West Ham, strengthening their depth in the process.
