Ten Hag GIVES UP on defender transfer after Maguire demands Man Utd DOUBLE payoff

Suraj Radia

• 23 Aug 2023 17:07 BST
• 2 min read

Harry Maguire is set to stay at Manchester United this season, with the club not anticipating any transfer for their ex-captain this summer after seeing him reject West Ham.

United had agreed a £30 million fee with the Hammers earlier this month but Maguire rejected a move and has been reluctant to push for an exit despite dropping down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

The Manchester Evening News state that Maguire’s transfer to the London Stadium collapsed due to the 30-year-old refusing United’s offer of a £6m payoff to make the move, with the defender instead wanting double the amount – around £12m.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd transfer plans in jeopardy after Maguire drama

West Ham have since signed Konstantinos Mavropanos, eliminating their need for Maguire and effectively ending the speculation surrounding the England international, with no other teams thought to be interested.

Maguire has not featured yet for United this season and missed the recent loss to Tottenham with a ‘small’ injury, according to Ten Hag.

United had been hoping to bring in Jean-Clair Todibo or Benjamin Pavard to replace Maguire but any deal was dependent on raising funds through the player’s exit, meaning Ten Hag’s hopes of restructuring his defence may have to wait until next year.

What are United’s plans for the remainder of the transfer window?

Ten Hag is still keen on bringing in one more player before next week’s transfer deadline, with a midfielder likely to be the sole incoming, although outgoings remain the priority for United.

Sofyan Amrabat was understood to be United’s top target but Fiorentina’s asking price of more than £30m has halted any progress in a deal.

United’s outlay of more than £150m this summer has limited the amount the club have to spend on another player and has led Ten Hag to explore loan deals, with Ryan Gravenberch set to be targeted if Bayern Munich are willing to sanction his exit.

NO NEED: Ten Hag 'already has answer' to midfield problem

Ten Hag is also considering a move for a backup goalkeeper, with Dean Henderson set to depart to Crystal Palace, while Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly are also expected to leave before the end of the month.