West Ham United are now interested in a transfer for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. Irons coach David Moyes was full of praise for the Scotland star back in 2021.
That is according to 90min, which reports the Irons are one of a host Premier League clubs considering signing McTominay. But the Red Devils have already informed any side keen to sign the 26-year-old that he will not be leaving Old Trafford during the mid-season market.
Teams had started to explore the possibility of the £78k-a-week anchor leaving in January after he fell out of favour. Erik ten Hag has only started McTominay in six Premier League fixtures so far this season. He also only started one of their six Europa League encounters.
McTominay had held a prominent presence at Manchester United before Ten Hag’s arrival at the helm. Now, he has had to make do with a bit-part role that has so far returned 1,033 minutes over 21 appearances in all competitions. The 36-cap star has started in 10 fixtures.
Ten Hag, however, is loath to let the Lancaster-born ace leave Old Trafford in January as he still views McTominay as a big part of Manchester United’s plans. But his situation has now attracted interest from multiple Premier League teams in his potential transfer this month.
West Ham have approached Manchester United over Scott McTominay’s transfer
Everton, Leeds United, Leicester City, Southampton and West Ham have all made enquiries to Manchester United about McTominay’s transfer status. But the Red Devils quickly noted that they are not considering permitting his loan or permanent transfer in the winter sales.
Prior reports by 90min had also credited West Ham with monitoring McTominay’s position at Manchester United. Moyes has led the Irons’ transfer interest in the Red Devils product, who was still in the Under-18 squad at Old Trafford during the Scot’s time in charge there.
Now, Moyes faces an array of rival suitors if Ten Hag eases his stance. Keith Downie claims Newcastle United have also made contact to sound out McTominay’s availability. But the West Ham coach has long held an affection for the player the 6 ft 3 enforcer has become.
David Moyes has been vocal with his praise for Scott McTominay in the past
Moyes wrote in a column for The Times ahead of Euro 2020 how he expected McTominay to hold a vital role in the Scotland set-up, and now he wants his transfer from Manchester United to West Ham. Steve Clarke would start the 26-year-old in all three of their fixtures.
“McTominay’s development this season was very impressive,” Moyes wrote. “He jumped up a level to become one of Manchester United’s most important players. I’ve been struck by his drive and his determination when we’ve come up against him with West Ham.
“He looks like he has picked up the leadership and winning qualities of the big players he has been surrounded by at United and which United try to develop in their young players. In the Europa League final, he was probably their best performer.
“Before, we would have classed John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney as Scotland’s top players. But McTominay is getting to that level.”
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