Harry Maguire’s ‘£15m demand’ stalling Man Utd exit as West Ham identify transfer alternatives

Harry Maguire is reportedly demanding a £15m payoff from Manchester United to leave the club.

The centre-back has been in talks over a move to West Ham United, with the Hammers having a bid accepted for Maguire last week. Yet a move still has not been completed, and the Sun claim this is down to the England international’s financial demands.

The outlet claim a transfer to the London Stadium could result in Maguire’s weekly wage dropping by 70k a week, down to £120k, meaning the United defender could lose out on £14.5m over a four-year contract. The Sun add Maguire has been offered a £6m pay out to leave, but he is holding out for a figure closer to £15m, with the 30-year-old currently on a deal that would see him earn £19.7m over the next two years.

But as the transfer saga drags on, West Ham are reportedly beginning to weigh up other options. According to the Guardian, with Maguire ‘stalling’ on the switch to the capital, the Hammers are said to be considering Bayer Leverkusen centre-backs Jonathan Tah and Odilon Kossounou instead, with the pair’s pace seen as a major upgrade compared to Maguire’s lack of speed. The newspaper also report the ex-Leicester City star has agreed personal terms to join West Ham.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville claimed on Sky Sports that United are trying to force the former skipper out of the club. “They’re trying to manage Harry Maguire out of the club and get their money for him there is no doubt about that,” opined the former right-back, on Monday Night Football.

Maguire watched from the bench as the Red Devils began the 2023/24 campaign by picking up three points, thanks to a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.