Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'identify Edmond Tapsoba as Harry Maguire replacement'

By Carter White | 11 August 2023

Man United 'identify Edmond Tapsoba as Maguire replacement'

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, with centre-back Harry Maguire on the verge of joining West Ham United.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba as a replacement for Harry Maguire in their centre-back department.

The 24-year-old featured 33 times for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last term as they finished sixth, scoring his only goal of the league campaign during a 2-0 win over VfL Bochum on January 25.

Tapsoba has featured 137 times for the German outfit since switching from Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in the January window of 2020, making the net ripple on five occasions over a three-and-a-half-year period.

The defender also has international pedigree, having featured 20 times for Burkina Faso since making his debut in June 2017 for Les Etalons.

Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli celebrate after the match on March 9, 2023 © Reuters

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have identified Tapsoba as a potential incoming, with the departure of Maguire to West Ham United imminent.

The report claims that the Red Devils have accepted a £30m offer from the Hammers for the England international, with United lowering their original asking price of around £50m.

Former Man United boss David Moyes is said to be a huge admirer of the former Leicester City centre-back, and the West Ham manager confirmed in a press conference on Thursday that a deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

It is also understood that the East Londoners are looking to recruit Scott McTominay from Old Trafford, with the Hammers eyeing a double swoop for the United duo this summer.

Maguire has fallen down the pecking order on the red side of Manchester under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, who currently prefers the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez over the Three Lions star.

Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire on May 4, 2023 © Reuters

The 30-year-old was stripped of the captaincy at United earlier this month - a clear signal of intent from Red Devils boss Ten Hag that the centre-back is no longer a significant part of his plans.

Tapsoba is not the only player that Man United have been linked with as a replacement for Maguire, with Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard also reportedly an option in this window.

It is understood that the 2018 World Cup winner is looking for a move away from the Bavarian giants and is said to be interested in a switch to Ten Hag's men in the Premier League.

United commence their Premier League campaign when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford on Monday night, with Andre Onana and Mason Mount set to make their competitive debuts for the club.