West Ham United are reportedly preparing a move for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire during this summer's transfer window.
The Englishman kept hold of the captain's armband upon Erik ten Hag's arrival as head coach last summer despite a difficult 2021-22 campaign, but it has been another disappointing season for the defender.
Maguire has only started seven Premier League matches this term, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw all ahead of him in the pecking order for the starting roles in central defence.
The 30-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions, but even the recent injuries to Varane and Martinez did not see him come into the XI on a regular basis, with Ten Hag often selecting Shaw, who is primarily a left-back, alongside Lindelof in the middle.
Varane was back from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and immediately returned to the starting side, with Maguire only featuring as a late substitute.
The England international has not actually started in the Premier League for over a month, and his future continues to be called into question ahead of the summer window.
Man United are believed to be keen to sign Napoli's Kim Min-jae during the upcoming market, which is expected to lead to Maguire being moved on in order to make room in the squad.
A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the former Sheffield United youngster, with Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona thought to be admirers.
According to ESPN, West Ham are also firmly in the picture, with the Hammers preparing to revive their interest after attempting to sign the defender during the January transfer window.
West Ham's chances of signing Maguire are likely to be boosted if they manage to win the Europa Conference League, which would see them qualify for next season's Europa League.
David Moyes's side could have a healthy transfer budget this summer, meanwhile, with Declan Rice expected to be sold in a deal that could be close to £100m.
Man United are said to be among the favourites for Rice, although there have been no indications at this stage that a possible swap deal could take place involving Maguire.
The centre-back moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 174 occasions in all competitions, scoring seven goals and contributing five assists in the process.
Maguire - contracted to the Red Devils until June 2025 - largely impressed in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, but he has found it difficult over the last couple of years, and Man United are expected to attempt to move him on this summer. body check tags ::
