IT WAS David Moyes that first started the West Ham tongues wagging with his ‘ambitious’ plans to land one Manchester United and England defender that seemingly nobody at London Stadium wanted. Not that it deterred the Scot one bit, such was his preference for signing older players with Premier league experience – like [Harry Maguire.](https://www.claretandhugh.info/moyes-wont-be-returning-to-old-trafford-for-maguire/)
Evan last summer the Hammers were still considering a move for Maguire, despite his age and huge salary demands. Whilst the veteran lacks mobility he’d certainly have added to West Ham’s leadership vacuum and would, in all likelihood, have been a better option than the-on loan Igor Julio who contributed nothing to the West Ham match day experience.
Now [Manchesterworld.uk](https://www.manchesterworld.uk/sport/football/manchester-united/man-united-west-ham-everton-harry-maguire-contract-5611057) claim Maguire will be ‘off the market’: The former England international was thought to be heading for the Old Trafford exit as a free agent in the summer as his contract expires, fuelling speculation that both the Hammers and Everton would be scrapping for him as a ‘free’ signing:
_“Man United are making good progress with contract talks for Maguire, and it is understood that the club and the player are both very keen to sort out an extension to keep him at Old Trafford for at least another year._
_Both Everton and West Ham have been linked with Maguire in the summer, if he does become a free agent.”_
Cue sighs of relief all round that the temptation to sign another past-it veteran on a ‘free’ will be taken away from David Sullivan when Maguire commits to the Red Devils for another year.
The Hammers Chairman might have to get the cheque book out to try and tempt **Axel Disasi** to stay instead. About £40 million more for Sullivan to swallow: That Lucas Paquetá money couldn’t be spent on a better player.