More stories

  • in

    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sends blunt message to Harry Maguire after West Ham snub with defender set to be FIFTH choice

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag insists it is up to Harry Maguire to save his Old Trafford career.Maguire only managed eight Premier League starts last season and was stripped of the captain’s armband by Ten Hag during pre-season.
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insists it is up to Harry Maguire to save his Old Trafford careerCredit: Getty
    Maguire could end up becoming Manchester United’s fifth-choice centre-backCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    That almost led the centre-back to a move to West Ham, but a deal collapsed due to his financial demands.
    The Hammers had a £30million bid accepted by United and the transfer was all sorted.
    However, as revealed by SunSport, the England international told the Red Devils he wanted £15m as he would surrender his £190,000-a-week contract for reduced £120,000 weekly wages in East London.
    David Moyes’ side grew so frustrated with waiting for the 30-year-old to secure a pay-out from the Manchester giants that they walked away from negotiations and turned to other targets, such as Konstantinos Mavropanos.
    Rad More on Man Utd
    Thus, Maguire is likely to stay and fight for a place in Ten Hag’s starting line-up this season.
    However, the Dutch tactician sent the defender a blunt message insisting that he will have to step up his game.
    Ten Hag said: “It’s up to him. He knows what I expect from him. I’ve been here for one year now and you know what I expect from a centre-half.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “And he can do it, I’ve told you many times before he has the ability to do it so now he has to show it.
    Most read in Football
    “It is then about character, to be convinced to play that role, he has all the abilities to do it and it is up to him when the time is there.
    “Harry is a player for us, I am happy he is here, we need a good squad, we have four good centre-halves – including Luke Shaw we have five – and we need it because we are going to play 50-60 games this season.
    “All the players are internationals, so we have a very heavy load to cover so I am happy Harry Maguire is here.”
    Harry is a player for us, I am happy he is here, we need a good squad, we have four good centre-halves – including Luke Shaw we have five.Erik ten Hag on Maguire
    However, Maguire is facing the prospect of being dumped to fifth choice at centre-back.
    Ten Hag started Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane on Monday’s Premier League kick-off against Wolves.
    When Martinez was substituted at half-time, the 53-year-old head coach opted for Victor Lindelof.
    The ex-Ajax boss often preferred left-back Luke Shaw over Maguire last season as well.
    And now Jonny Evans looks set to return to United on a one-year deal. More

  • in

    Harry Maguire demands massive £15MILLION pay-off to quit Man Utd for West Ham in huge blow to Ten Hag’s transfer plans

    HARRY MAGUIRE is demanding a £15million pay-off from Manchester United to join West Ham.Old Trafford chiefs thought they had a deal done after agreeing a £30m fee with the Hammers.
    Harry Maguire is on the the verge of leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTY
    The England international is set to join West Ham in a deal worth £30millionCredit: PA
    But he’s demanded a whopping £15m pay-off to leave Old TraffordCredit: REUTERS
    They had also offered Maguire a £6m payment to leave.
    But the former captain is holding out for more than TWICE that with him facing a wage cut to move to The London Stadium.
    Maguire would have to reduce his wages from £190,000 a week to £120,000 – which would come to a shortfall of £14.5m over a four-year contract.
    He already has two years left of his current deal at Old Trafford which would be worth £19.7million.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    So the 30-year-old England international, understandably, does not believe the £6m offer is enough.
    He remains unhappy at his treatment at the hands of manager Erik ten Hag.
    The Dutchman stripped him of the captaincy this summer and handed the armband permanently to Bruno Fernandes.
    Maguire only started eight Premier League games under Ten Hag last season.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Yet ahead of the club’s opening game against Wolves, he has challenged the centre-back to fight for his place or go.
    Ten Hag said: “For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place.
    “He has the ability to be a top class centre back and he is the best for England.
    “So why shouldn’t he be the best for us? But he has to prove it.
    “When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision but I’m happy with him.”
    Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard is one of the top candidates to replace Maguire.
    The French World Cup winner is desperate to move to United.
    But Pavard will cost around £35m and Ten Hag will only make the move is Maguire is sold. More

  • in

    West Ham fans in stitches as Declan Rice marks Arsenal Premier League debut with hilarious gaffe vs Forest

    WEST HAM FANS were left in stitches as Declan Rice marks Arsenal Premier League debut with hilarious gaffe.Rice completed his £105million move from the Hammers to Arsenal last month.
    Fans were left amused as Rice failed to control the ballCredit: TWITTER @WHUCharlie_
    The former West Ham midfielder was spotted in hilarious gaffeCredit: TWITTER @WHUCharlie_
    The England midfielder, 24, started in Arsenal’s season debut against Nottingham Forest.
    Bukayo Saka’s superb first-half strike added to Eddie Nketiah’s opener, helping Arsenal begin their campaign with a 2-1 win.
    Rice was effective in the Arsenal midfield and came close on a couple of occasions to adding a third for the home side.
    However, a certain moment did not go unnoticed as West Ham fans spotted a hilarious blunder from their former captain.

    The England midfielder tried to control the ball behind the Forest goal, but instead slipped before falling backwards.
    One fan responded: “100m flop!”.
    Another added: “Told you that Rice is going to be the biggest flop of the season”.
    A third wrote: “This is too funny”.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Declan Rice slotted straight into the Arsenal midfield against Forest
    Rice, 24, left his boyhood club for Mikel Arteta’s side this summer.
    With West Ham receiving a whopping £100m by 2025 with a further £5m in bonuses.
    Rice’s exit ended a long-running transfer saga which left the Hammers angry with the delay.
    Irons fans have also been extremely frustrated with their side’s lack of signings after Rice’s departure.
    But despite the mistimed error from Rice, he came close to scoring when his 20-yard strike was pushed on to the post by Turner’s fingertip save.
    The game had been delayed by 30 minutes because of an e-ticketing system issue that meant the majority of fans were still outside the Emirates at the scheduled kick-off time of 12:30 BST More

  • in

    David Moyes admits Lucas Paqueta’s head HAS been turned by Manchester City – but tells West Ham star he is staying put

    DAVID MOYES admits Lucas Paqueta’s head HAS been turned by Manchester City’s interest.But, the West Ham boss has told his Brazilian playmaker that he is staying put unless City vastly improve on their verbal offer of around £70m.
    Lucas Paqueta has had his head turned by interest from Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his squad by bringing in PaquetaCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola is very interested in bringing Paqueta to the Etihad to fill the gaps left by the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
    Paqueta, 25 – who joined the Hammers from Lyon last August for £51m including add-ons – has four years left on his contract that includes an £85m release clause from next summer.
    West Ham are adamant they do not want to sell another big star during this window at any price following Declan Rice’s £105m departure to Arsenal last month.
    Moyes refused to put a price tag on Paqueta, but it is believed the club would only begin to consider an offer closer to £100m, given they have time to find a replacement.
    City are yet to make an official bid.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But as it stands, Moyes has confirmed that Paqueta WILL be a part of the squad that takes on Bournemouth in their Premier League opener tomorrow afternoon.
    Moyes said: “We’ve had an offer from Manchester City, it’s not close enough to our valuation, so at the moment we have no decision [to make].”
    On whether Paqueta’s head has been turned, Moyes added: “There are a couple of football clubs in the world who could turn your head quite easily.
    Most read in Sport
    “Let’s be fair, Manchester City are probably one of them.
    “I brought Lucas up to speed with everything I know. He’s fully aware of everything. I explained to him where we’re at, what’s been said, so he knows.”
    West Ham have made their first signing of the summer in Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, 25, for £35m on a five-year deal.
    However, the Mexican international will NOT be involved at the Cherries tomorrow owing to the fact he has not yet trained with the squad after his recent international exploits.
    Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, 28, completed his medical today ahead of his £30m switch, but is not expected to be announced as a West Ham player until early next week.
    Talks continue with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 30, over a £30m move. West Ham are believed to have agreed to pay £120k-a-week of the player’s £190-a-week wages, with United also forking out a £6m leaving package to cover the two years remaining on his current contract.
    David Moyes insists he has a good relationship with technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: Getty
    There have been reports of tension between Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten – formerly of Bayer Leverkusen – over player recruitment this summer.
    Moyes is believed to have opted for more British-based targets with Prem experience, while Steidten has been suggesting younger players from the European market.
    On their working relationship, Moyes said: “We have got on very well actually. There has been a lot of rubbish spoken.
    “We may not agree on every player, but there would be something wrong if we did. The longer we are together, the longer we work together, the better it will become.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Tim had been working at another club and had players in mind for his other club.
    “But it’s a different way you’ve got to do it when you’re buying players for the Premier League compared to the German league.” More

  • in

    Harry Maguire in contention to face Wolves despite Man Utd accepting £30m bid from West Ham as he considers transfer

    HARRY MAGUIRE is in contention to face Wolves in Manchester United’s Premier League opener on Monday night.That’s despite the Red Devils accepting a £30million bid from West Ham for their former captain.
    Harry Maguire as been in pre-season action for Man UnitedCredit: Sportsfile

    DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
    Maguire, 30, was dropped early on last season by boss Erik ten Hag and went on to start just eight Prem matches.
    Earlier this summer it was confirmed that Ten Hag had stripped the England defender of the captaincy at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes taking his place.
    United have agreed a deal to let Maguire join West Ham, but it is now up to the experienced centre-back himself.
    Quizzed if his former skipper is available for Monday night’s match, Ten Hag said: “Of course.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Maguire has fallen behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and at times even Luke Shaw in the pecking order at United.
    But he could yet opt to stay and fight for his place.
    With Euro 2024 looming next summer, however, Maguire may decide that regular first team football is important if he is to keep his Three Lions place.
    Maguire has two years remaining on his £190,000-a-week contract at United.
    Most read in Football
    It is understood that West Ham are offering him a wage cut to £120,000 a week to move to East London.
    To offset the difference, SunSport revealed that United will give Maguire a £6m pay-off to leave for the Hammers.
    Following his demotion from United’s captaincy earlier this summer, Maguire said: “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.”
    West Ham, meanwhile, get their Prem season underway tomorrow with a trip to Bournemouth.
    Read More on The Sun
    Speaking ahead of that match, boss David Moyes confirmed that his side are in for Maguire.
    He said: “We’ve had a bid accepted from Manchester United, but while he’s not our player I’m not in a position to discuss him.”
    David Moyes has confirmed his interest in signing MaguireCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Lucas Paqueta ‘agrees six-year Man City contract as West Ham name their price for Brazil star’

    LUCAS PAQUETA has reportedly agreed a long-term contract to join Manchester City.The West Ham star played a crucial role in the Hammers’ Conference League success last season and has attracted interest from the Treble winners.
    Lucas Paqueta has reportedly agreed a deal with Manchester CityCredit: Rex

    DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
    Man City are thought to have had a bid worth up to £95million rejected by the Hammers.
    Despite this, according to France Télévisions, Paqueta, 26, has agreed personal terms with Man City.
    The report also claims that West Ham are holding out for £110m if they are to sell another star player this summer.
    The club have already lost captain Declan Rice during the transfer window as he joined Arsenal for £105m.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Hammers boss David Moyes was asked about Man City’s interest in Paqueta during his press conference ahead of the Premier League season kick off.
    Moyes admitted that there had been an offer but it was “not anywhere near” the club’s price tag.

    He said: “We’ve had an offer from Manchester City, but at the moment, it’s not anywhere near meeting our valuation.”
    It is believed that Paqueta is keen on a move to the Etihad despite only arriving at the London Stadium last summer from Lyon.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    While in Pep Guardiola’s presser, the City manager gave a very blunt answer when asked about the club’s interest in the Brazilian.
    He said: “I will answer about Kyle Walker but not about Paqueta because he is a West Ham player.”
    West Ham have only signed one player this summer as Edson Alvarez joined from Ajax to replace Rice.
    The club is also close to completing the deals to sign James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire.
    However, should Paqueta leave, it would hand a major blow to Moyes and the team as it would create another big hole in the team that would need replacing. More

  • in

    Premier League – talkSPORT BET boost: Get Everton, West Ham & Newcastle all to win at huge 10/1

    talkSPORT BET have a tremendous price boost available for the Premier League opening weekend.Punters can now get a massive 10/1 for Everton, West Ham and Newcastle all to win their opening Premier League matches this weekend – that’s up from 17/2!
    Get Everton, West Ham & Newcastle all to win at huge 10/1 with talkSPORT BETCredit: gETTY
    talkSPORT BET: Get £40 in free bets*
    Like those odds? We don’t blame you! You can add this bet to your talkSPORT BET bet slip HERE.
    Better still, it’s for new and existing talkSPORT BET customers!
    Everton are looking for a much-improved season to last year and kick off against Fulham on Saturday.
    That’s a 3pm kick-off, the same time as West Ham travel to Bournemouth in their opener.
    If the bet survives those two legs, it finishes with Champions League side Newcastle playing host to fellow European side Aston Villa in the 5.30pm evening kick-off.
    Premier League this weekendtalkSPORT BET boost
    Everton vs Fulham
    Bournemouth vs West Ham
    Newcastle vs Aston Villa

    Everton, West Ham and Newcastle all to win
    was 17/2
    NOW 10/1
    Add to bet slip HERE

    talkSPORT BET: Get £40 in free bets*

    Not got an account with talkSPORT BET? There’s more good news…
    New customers who sign-up HERE* can get £40 in free bets just for signing up and staking £20!
    Register a new account and deposit using a debit card.
    With your very first bet, stake £20 on football at odds of 1/1 or greater – within seven days of opening your account – and win or lose you’ll be credited with £40 in free bets!
    talkSPORT BET: Get £40 in free bets*

    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:

    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
    *18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £20 on any football at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 4x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly More

  • in

    West Ham ‘targeting shock transfer for one of Chelsea’s top pre-season performers in loan-to-buy deal’

    WEST HAM are looking at a potential deal for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen.The Dutchman, 21, impressed in pre-season and manager Mauricio Pochettino is a known admirer.
    West Ham are keen on Ian Maatsen after he impressed for Chelsea in pre-seasonCredit: Getty
    But, according to the Guardian, West Ham have “received indications” that they have a chance of signing the left-back.
    A deal would likely be on loan with an option to buy.
    Chelsea are in contact with the Maatsen over a new deal this summer.
    And Pochettino confirmed he was part of his future plans last month.
    Read More Football News
    The Argentine said: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions.
    “He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game.”
    Maatsen spent last season on loan at Burnley  and stood out in the Championship, scoring four goals and getting six assists.
    But his route to the first team is likely to be blocked by senior stars Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella.
    Most read in Football

    DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
    While Chelsea also have Lewis Hall on their books, with the 18-year-old set to join Crystal Palace on loan.
    And the Hammers will be ready to pounce should he become available.
    David Moyes has finally been busy in the transfer market this week after a quiet summer.
    The Hammers are set to make £35million midfielder Edson Alvarez their first signing of the window.
    While, on Wednesday, they have reached agreements in principle for English duo James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire, each for £30m.
    Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Scott McTominay has also been linked.
    But they face a battle to keep star-man Lucas Paqueta at the club after Man City saw a £70m bid rejected.
    It is said that Paqueta has had his “head turned” by the prospect of joining the treble winners.
    Moyes has already lost skipper Declan Rice to West Ham for £105m this summer and is desperate not to see another key player go. More