West Ham keen on landing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire

West Ham head coach David Moyes is keen on strengthening his backline this month and views Harry Maguire as the perfect addition to a faltering rearguard. 

Harry Maguire has had a difficult past 12 months at Manchester United. A tough spell at the start of last season was followed by an even more torrid time under caretaker boss, Ralf Ragnick. 

The arrival of Erik ten Hag and the subsequent signing of Lisandro Martinez has pushed the England international further down the pecking order. Maguire has fallen so far out of favour under the new manager that he has only started two Premier League games since August.

 Ten Hag's decision to play left-back Luke Shaw at the heart of the defence in recent matches has effectively made Maguire a fifth-choice centre-back, and West Ham are hoping to use that lack of game time to tempt the England international into a move to London.

However, according to ESPN, United are reluctant to part company this month, and Maguire is thought to be willing to fight for his place and review the situation in the summer unless told otherwise by Ten Hag.

West Ham have been in disappointing form this season and manager David Moyes could be on a short leash if rumours are to be believed.  The 59-year-old is under mounting pressure with his side having lost six of their last seven Premier League games to fall to 18th place in the table, and a change of manager could be on the cards soon.

Landing a player of Maguire's caliber could help reinvigorate West Ham's shaky defence and give their midfield players a solid base to build from