Man Utd communicate surprise message to West Ham during double transfer talks

West Ham have been told it would require ‘very big bids’ to sign either Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay from Manchester United this summer as Erik ten Hag reportedly believes both will be key members of his squad next season. It comes after the Hammers opened initial talks with their counterparts to discuss the availability of the Old Trafford duo but surprisingly, it appears they could be set to stay put after all.

Heading into the summer transfer window both Maguire and McTominay were being earmarked as players that were available for transfer this summer.

Yet that is no longer a guarantee as it appears Ten Hag is still planning to keep hold of the fringe pairing, who could yet have a part to play under his regime moving forward.

According to Sky Sports, the early indications following initial discussions between the two clubs are that there are gaps in the valuations for both players.

United allegedly see Maguire and McTominay as top players and very important members of the squad and while they are not encouraging offers, it’s thought that they would require ‘very big bids’ to even consider a sale.

West Ham are understood to have launched an initial loan enquiry for England defender Maguire.

But United would favour a permanent sale and furthermore, Maguire’s wages could yet prove difficult for the Hammers to match.

Maguire is also believed to be comfortable with fighting for his place at Old Trafford even though it is clear he is way down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The centre-back was recently stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag in yet another clear indication he is no longer considered to be among the club’s most dependable players.

West Ham are also looking for some extra steel in the middle of the park after losing captain Declan Rice to Arsenal.

A bid worth £40million was recently rejected by Chelsea for Conor Gallagher and now the Hammers are exploring other targets.

McTominay fits the bill for David Moyes but United could now quote huge money for the Scotsman in a bid to scare off potential suitors.

United could yet sign another central midfielder before the September 1 transfer deadline with Sofyan Amrabat said to be of interest.

Yet any move for the Morocco international stalwart is likely to hinge on selling Fred and Donny van de Beek.

Ten Hag would favour selling the midfield duo over flogging McTominay, who played 24 times in the Premier League last season.

The Red Devils are currently focusing their efforts on signing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta as the Dane remains their priority striker target.

A move for Harry Kane currently seems unlikely as Bayern Munich continue to push for the Tottenham captain.