Harry Maguire has been won over by Declan Rice after discussing the prospect of a move to West Ham from Premier League giants Manchester United.
West Ham’s beloved former skipper may no longer be wearing claret and blue – sealing his long-awaited move to Arsenal last month – but Declan Rice is still doing David Moyes proud, albeit off the pitch rather than on it these days.
According to The Sun, Rice had lengthy discussions with England team-mate Maguire about a potential summer switch from Old Trafford to the London Stadium.
And with reports suggesting that Maguire’s arrival in the capital is now all-but imminent, it seems that West Ham may owe their dearly departed talisman a debt of gratitude, Maguire supposedly a leading candidate to inherit Rice’s armband.
Harry Maguire close to West Ham move
Man United’s £80 million misfit will be afforded the opportunity to kick-start his career under long-time admirer Moyes, who admitted to holding an interest in the then-Sheffield United prospect during his short-lived spell in the Old Trafford decade a decade ago.
“I think it’s a good signing. Potentially he will be the captain. (Giving him the armband) might have been part of the negotiations,” West Ham legend Tony Cottee tells talkSPORT (10 August, 11am). “I like centre-haves who are captains.
“He is a good player. You watch him in the World Cup, he’s a good player. Of course he’s had a bad time at Manchester United but he can be an absolute hero (at West Ham).
“The fans will love him.”
Edson Alvarez joins from Ajax
The Sun add that Maguire will take a £70,000-a-week pay cut at the UEFA Conference League holders. It remains to be seen how he fits into Moyes’ team, however.
Perhaps the veteran Scot will be tempted to introduce a three-man backline on a more regular basis, giving Maguire the freedom to stride out from the back while being flanked by Kurt Zouma and the naturally left-footed Nayef Aguerd.
West Ham also confirmed the signing of Ajax’s Edson Alvarez on Thursday. Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse is also on his way for a further £30 million.
“I am very happy and very proud to be here,” Alvarez says. “Being here in London and seeing London Stadium, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to play here in front of the West Ham fans.
“It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career. To join a club like a West Ham is a dream for me and my family.
“The Premier League is a special league. The best league in the world. And I think my style will suit it. I now have a responsibility to West Ham and the West Ham family. I will give absolutely everything for the shirt.”
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