Transfer Centre

Harry Maguire 'wants to join a bigger club than West Ham United'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 July 2023

Harry Maguire would want to join a 'bigger club' than West Ham United if he leaves Manchester Unite this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire is reportedly open to leaving Old Trafford this summer but wants to move to 'a bigger club' than West Ham United.

The Hammers allegedly failed with a £20m offer for Maguire on Friday, with the Red Devils signalling that they would want more money for the player who cost them £80m four years ago.

There have been contrasting reports over whether West Ham are preparing to increase their bid, but David Moyes's side are keen on the England international.

Maguire has received a pay rise in a contract that has another two years left to run, and Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag recently said that he wants to keep hold of the 30-year-old.

However, there is little prospect of the defender securing regular starts next season, as Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are all ahead of him in the pecking order, while Luke Shaw was used instead of his international teammate in the middle of the defence last term.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire reacts on January 3, 2023 © Reuters

A lack of action next term could also harm Maguire's chances of starting for England at next summer's European Championship, should the Three Lions qualify.

According to The Mirror, Maguire is open to an exit, but he would prefer to join a 'bigger club' than West Ham, who will be in the Europa League next season.

A disappointing 2022-23 Premier League campaign saw Moyes's side finish down in 14th position, but they won the Europa Conference League, beating Fiorentina in the final.

Newcastle United, who will be in the Champions League next term, have also been credited with an interest in the former Sheffield United youngster.

Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United on September 8, 2022 © Reuters

Maguire made the move to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019, and he has represented the Red Devils on 175 occasions in all competitions.

The centre-back featured 31 times for Ten Hag's side last term but just 16 of those outings came in the Premier League, with half of those being starts.

Suggestions that Man United will bring in another centre-back this summer have cooled, although it is understood that the club are considering re-signing Jonny Evans, who has played twice for the club this summer in friendlies.

Evans is available on a free transfer following his release from Leicester City, and the Northern Ireland international is believed to have made such a big impression that the club are weighing up handing him a contract until the summer of 2024.