Manchester United ‘reject loan offer from West Ham for Harry Maguire’…  with the defender’s future at Old Trafford uncertain after he was axed as captain by Erik ten Hag

West Ham have reportedly had a loan offer for Harry Maguire rejected by Manchester United.

The Hammers are keen to strengthen their defence this season ahead of their return to the Europa League.

Maguire announced on Sunday that he had been stripped of the captain’s armband at Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag, after slipping down the Dutchman’s pecking order last season. 

Mail Sport reported on Sunday that West Ham were exploring a move for the defender, following their £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

The Guardian have now reported that the Hammers have had a loan bid turned down by the Red Devils.  

It comes after Erik ten Hag stripped the England international of the captain’s armband

The defender took to Twitter to announce that he would no longer be serving as club captain

It’s claimed that West Ham are exploring a loan deal with an option to buy, but feel that the cost of buying the England international on a permanent deal is too expensive at this time. 

Despite no longer being a regular in the starting XI, United see Maguire as an important part of the squad and will not force him out of Old Trafford. 

Given that they spent £80m on the 30-year-old from Leicester in 2019, it’s likely they would want to recoup a good portion of what they spent on the defender – despite his struggles in recent seasons. 

West Ham, like Manchester United, are set to appoint a new captain – due to the sale of Rice. 

Addressing the captaincy issue amid links to Maguire, David Moyes said: ‘It’s only just happened (Rice leaving) a day or so ago, so we’ve got time to think about it. It will be decided by myself. 

‘I think a captain is hugely important. I have had some great boys who have captained my teams over the years.

‘So we will look closely to see what is the right choice and we have got a bit of time before the season starts and [when] we need to make a decision on that.

‘Players come and go from all clubs, so not just our club. I have had it before in the past as well.’

He refused to be drawn in on whether they will move for Maguire and was uncertain if clubs being aware of West Ham’s increased budget will hurt deals.

David Moyes is prepared to offer Maguire a fresh start after his troubles at Old Trafford

West Ham are also set to appoint a new captain after Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal

He said: ‘We have no idea,” said Moyes. “We will find out in time, but I couldn’t really give you answer to that at the moment. We couldn’t be sure.’

As reported by Mail Sport, Moyes is willing to offer Maguire a fresh start in the Premier League, though the defender would need to take a substantial pay cut to fit in with their wage structure. 

It is also understood that Maguire is happy at the club and had taken his role as captain very seriously before he was stripped of the armband. 

Away from the pitch, Maguire continues to make a brilliant impression through his work with the club’s foundation and regularly takes time to watch and support the women’s and youth sides.

The England international took to Twitter on Sunday to confirm Ten Hag’s decision, highlighting his regret while pledging his support for the next skipper.

‘After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,’ he wrote.

‘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.’