ACCORDING TO SOURCES, WEST HAM HAS CONTRACTS WITH MAGUIRE AND WARD-PROWSE.

According to reports in the media on Wednesday, Premier League rivals West Ham United and Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle to exchange England defender Harry Maguire.

The transaction, according to Sky Sports and the BBC, was valued about 30 million pounds ($38 million), and personal terms were not anticipated to be an issue.

Maguire was relieved of his captaincy by Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag last month after the 30-year-old made only eight starts in the Premier League last year, spending the majority of the time on the sidelines or injured.

With the Euro 2024 championships coming up the following year, Maguire has become unnecessary at United and requires playing time to stay in manager Gareth Southgate’s ambitions for England.

A player with 57 senior caps for England was described by Southgate as “inevitably not a situation that can continue forever” in May.

When United paid Leicester City 80 million pounds to acquire Maguire in 2019, it was the most expensive defender ever. His contract is set to expire in 2025.

The Hammers and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse have reached a personal agreement, according to the UK press. According to reports, the 28-year-old Southampton skipper will pay 30 million pounds to move to London.

The sale of Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez from West Ham to Ajax for a cost of 35 million pounds was also said to have been agreed upon, but the agreement has not yet been verified.

Friday’s Premier League season opener pits newly promoted Burnley against reigning champion Manchester City.