Transfer Talk: Hammers looking to nail Maguire deal

West Ham are readying a second attempt to lure Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to East London.

The Hammers failed in their public pursuit of the 31-year-old last year, with the Red Devils demanding too high a fee.

But The Mirror say an agreement is far more likely to be reached this summer — particularly given United's diminishing hopes of making next season's Champions League.

New co-owners INEOS are planning for a busy summer of recruitment at Old Trafford but their ambitious plans do hinge heavily on on-pitch performance.

Should Erik ten Hag's squad fail to qualify for Europe's premier club competition, cost-cutting will be required to facilitate new signings due to financial regulations.

In such a scenario, getting Maguire's reported £200,000-per-week wages off the books would become a no-brainer.

Due to a spate of injuries in Ten Hag's backline, the former Leicester man has still made 23 appearances across all competitions so far this term.

That is despite the Dutchman stripping him of the club captaincy last July, handing the armband to Portuguese ace Bruno Fernandes instead.

An England regular, Maguire is poised to add to his 62 Three Lions caps later this month having been included in Gareth Southgate's squad to face Brazil and Belgium.

And while his Euro 2024 prospects also appear strong, a change of scene could well be on the cards ahead of next season.

In other news

The Mail say Kylian Mbappe has shut down any prospect of a move to Arsenal, claiming it is "too cold" in London.

RB Leipzig have told Tottenham they must decide whether to trigger their option to make Timo Werner's loan move permanent before Euro 2024, according to The Express.

The Daily Star say Manchester City are set to begin contract extension talks with their Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.