West Ham’s capture of Wolves defender Max Kilman could have a domino effect on Manchester United this summer as they look to shape their squad.
The former Maidenhead United centre-back completed a £40 million move to the London Stadium on Sunday. It’s a move that earns the non-league club £4 million due to a sell-on clause.
The move could also have an impact on United, given West Ham’s interest in Harry Maguire last summer. It was reported that the two clubs had agreed a £30 million fee back in August 2023 that would see him move to the Hammers, only for the deal to collapse.
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Speaking about the failed move back in October, Maguire revealed that there was not a full agreement between all parties. “The actual opportunity to go to West Ham wasn’t agreed really between both clubs and myself,” he said.
“So it wasn’t just my chance to say ‘Yes and I’m going. It wasn’t agreed between both clubs so the actual opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.”
Maguire did earn his place in the United starting XI back during the campaign, but injuries impacted his season, with the centre-back ruled out of Euro 2024. He made a total of 31 appearances throughout.
But that has not stopped speculation over his future ahead of the current summer window. The 31-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, meaning that this off-season could be the last chance that United have to get a decent fee for the player they spent £85 million on back in 2019.
It was claimed last week that United are willing to listen to offers for Maguire. It comes as United work on a deal to sign Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, who is reportedly valued at around £42 million, as Erik ten Hag eyes a reunion with his former defender.
A potential arrival of the Dutchman will see Maguire drop back down the pecking order at Old Trafford. However, with the big-money signing of Kilman, West Ham are now not likely to reignite their interest, with United now having to find other potential buyers, with clubs in Italy reportedly showing an interest.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.