West Ham target Maguire loses Man U captaincy

West Ham fans may be in danger of seeing another Declan Rice transfer developing but instead with the name Harry Maguire attached to it.

Developments seem to be racing on for the 30 year old central defender who has been widely now as a central target for David Moyes.

Later it became clear that Manchester United were not going to force him out of Old Trafford and that the England defender – having made just eight appearances for the club last season – would be ready to fight for his place.

Now, however, the former Leicester City defender has confirmed that he has been stripped of the Old Trafford captaincy and that seems almost certain to change things again.

Now it seems his future at the club is indeed hanging in the balance with West Ham ready to bring him to the club on a wage level more in keeping with what they are used to – around £120.000 a week  than the “180k he is understood to be earning in Manchester.

In an astonishing social media statement Maguire he declared:  “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain.

“He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt. So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.

“Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field.

“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”

Maguire started just eight games for United last season after falling down the pecking order under Ten Hag.