Manchester United transfer news as West Ham United signed talks  Harry Maguire, Jean-Clair Todibo eyed as replacement

Manchester United transfer news as West Ham United signed talks  Harry Maguire, Jean-Clair Todibo eyed as replacement

West Ham United are accelerating in talks to sign Harry Maguire with Manchester United lining up a move for his replacement already in Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Fabrice Hawkins.

According to the French RMC Sport journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (8 August), Manchester United are waiting to sell Maguire so they can make their move for the OGC centre-back, with talks already held with his entourage.

And the Hammers are accelerating talks to sign after news emerged on 8 August that the England international is excited by the prospect of joining David Moyes’ side in East London (Evening Standard).

Hawkins tweeted on Tuesday afternoon: “Manchester United targets Jean-Clair Todibo.

“Discussions with Nice and the defender’s entourage.

“The Reds devils are waiting to sell Harry Maguire to take action.

West Ham have accelerated on Harry Maguire and hope to complete the transfer.”

More encouragement to seal deal

After all but completing a deal to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, it now seems as if West Ham United are moving swiftly to seal their top defensive target in Maguire.

And the Irons are now receiving plenty of encouragement to get this statement transfer over the line, with United already lining up a move for Maguire’s replacement at Old Trafford.

And it’s clear he doesn’t fit in Ten Hag’s plans with the Dutch coach long desiring another centre-back who is quick and agile enough to defend and influence proceedings within his proactive and high-intensity system.

Maguire isn’t suited as much to his approach, but would absolutely thrive in Moyes’ reactive approach given his undeniable qualities especially in possession of the ball, possessing the capabilities to launch quick and effective counters through his line-breaking passing and his raking long balls.

The former Leicester City defender will certainly transform the Irons’ game under Moyes and his leadership qualities will prove absolutely crucial as they aim to build on last season’s European success, but also improve vastly in the Premier League.

£35m should be enough to seal this new transfer and if the Hammers can come to a broad agreement over his hefty salary with Manchester United then all parties can move on with their other transfer plans swiftly.

Joel Pohjanpalo bargain release clause emerges as West Ham United eye Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio replacements
Joel Pohjanpalo has a release clause in his Venezia contract of just €4million [£3.4m] and West Ham could come back in for him “with conviction”, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The Italian outlet reported on their website Tuesday (8 August) that in light of Gianluca Scamacca’s move to Atalanta “in particular, West Ham should be kept in mind” with regards to Finnish international Pohjanpalo moving before the window shuts.

Although there have apparently not been any signals from the Serie B side or the 28-year-old to suggest they are planning a move on their end The Mirror reported on their website on 2 August that the Irons were considering him as a replacement for another exit-linked striker in Michail Antonio.

Scamacca’s departure after one season was confirmed on Monday (7 August) and Antonio has been looking to leave since at least January, while there have also been questions over the long-term future of Danny Ings at the London Stadium.

Deals to be done

A forward from the Italian second tier is unlikely to get pulses racing about the West Ham fanbase right now but given how little success the club has had in paying big money for headline strikers maybe it is time for a different approach.

Pahjanpalo does have 16 international goals to his name and has scored at a reasonable rate in both the Bundesliga and the Turkish Super Lig.

His 19 league strikes in Serie B last term, to go with seven assists, are solid numbers but probably don’t compare to the Premier League.

But David Moyes is going to need options with one already gone in Scamacca, who has joined Sebastien Haller as big-money flops at the London Stadium, and Antonio possibly following.

Given how much of a struggle the Hammers have found it to get deals over the line so far this summer there is something to be said for one of their targets having a release clause that amounts to a drop in the ocean in terms of the money they are making from sales in this window.

West Ham would surely need another goalscorer in addition but this could be a quick deal to get done soon after Edson Alvarez, since the club need to start charging through their remaining business in the three and a half weeks that are left.