There has been a huge new Harry Maguire twist for West Ham after the Man United delay as Tim Steidten scrambles to make a signing.
West Ham were said to be confident of completing a deal to sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United next week.
But the move to sign the deposed Man United captain is – according to reports – on the brink of collapse in yet another summer transfer window blow for West Ham.
According to The Sun, West Ham’s move for Maguire is now in doubt with ‘discussions stalling over personal terms’.
That’s despite a West Ham board confidant claiming Maguire had already agreed personal terms last Wednesday.
Huge new Harry Maguire twist for West Ham after Man United delay as Tim Steidten scrambles to make signing
Last night a reporter close to West Ham majority owner David Sullivan claimed Maguire’s move was being held up at the Manchester United end and could be delayed beyond next week.
But there’s a huge new Maguire twist for West Ham after the Man United delay as Tim Steidten scrambles to sign an alternative.
The Sun believe West Ham have accepted the Maguire deal with Man United is close to collapse.
So much so new technical director Steidten has identified a player he signed at former Bayer Leverkusen as an alternative.
Hammers switch attentions to defender with one of the highest tackle success ratios in Europe
The Hammers are said to be looking to 22-year-old Ivory Coast international Odilon Kossounou, a player Steidten brought to Leverkusen from Club Brugge in 2021.
Powerful and quick centre-back Kossounou has one of the highest tackle success ratios in Europe.
And he represents a much younger option than Man United’s 30-year-old outcast Maguire.
However, it is unclear whether Leverkusen will be willing to sell and at what price.
Potential Maguire deal collapse another bitter blow for Moyes’ window plans
The Maguire situation threatens to be another bitter transfer window blow for David Moyes, who had made Maguire his prime defensive target.
The Scot had also allegedly promised to make him West Ham’s new captain.
West Ham started the season with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday.
All eyes will now be on Man United’s opener against Wolves on Monday night to see if Maguire is named in the squad.
If he is then it is a clear indication that any move to West Ham looks dead.
However there may still be hope for Moyes should he be omitted.