West Ham United have reportedly failed with a £20m bid for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire.
The 30-year-old has had the captain's armband taken away from him this summer, with Bruno Fernandes recently confirmed as Man United's skipper for the 2023-24 campaign.
Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag recently said that he wants to keep hold of Maguire during this summer's transfer window, but there remains ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
The former Sheffield United youngster is arguably the club's fifth-choice centre-back, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof ahead of him, while Luke Shaw was also chosen over Maguire in the middle of the defence last season when Varane and Martinez were both injured.
Maguire has received a pay rise this summer in a deal that is due to run for another two years, but a lack of football in the new season could impact his chances of starting for England at Euro 2024.
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The defender only started eight Premier League games for Man United last season, while he also only featured from the first whistle on three occasions in the Europa League.
West Ham have been credited with an interest in Maguire this summer, and according to the Manchester Evening News, the Hammers have now lodged an official bid.
The report claims that David Moyes's side placed a £20m offer on the table, but it was quickly rejected by the Red Devils, who are thought to want at least £40m for his services.
West Ham are not believed to be planning to raise their bid, as the club are pessimistic when it comes to their chances of convincing Maguire to take a pay cut.
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Maguire is yet to start a pre-season match for Man United this summer, but he has appeared off the bench against Arsenal and Real Madrid in the United States.
The Englishman is again set to be on the bench for Sunday's clash with Borussia Dortmund, with Varane and Martinez expected to continue in the middle of the defence.
Man United will open their 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14, and Maguire is highly unlikely to start unless there is a defensive injury crisis.
Newcastle United had also been credited with an interest in Maguire earlier this summer, but the Magpies are not believed to be exploring a move at this stage.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also not thought to be interested despite suggestions that the Blues were considering making an attempt to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Matt Law
