During the summer transfer window, the Hammers were prominently connected with a loan or permanent move for the 30-year-old.

Maguire has denied reports that a transfer to the London Stadium was ever near, and David Moyes’s team were eventually unable to achieve a comprehensive agreement with all parties.

Since the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag at the beginning of last season, Manchester United’s Maguire has been relegated to the bench, behind more established defenders like Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof at center back.

The England international has only started two of United’s 11 games so far this season across all competitions, after starting only eight last season.

Maguire, who lost the Man United captaincy in the summer, has lately said that he needs a change in his current circumstances and that he may consider leaving Old Trafford if he continues to play only “once every month.”

If Maguire’s playing time doesn’t increase moving into the New Year, the defender might be traded in January, with West Ham reportedly still interested in him.

If Maguire leaves Man United in the winter transfer window, the Hammers are reportedly in prime position to sign him.

According to the research, a January transaction is more likely to involve an initial loan with an option to buy.

Despite acquiring Konstantinos Mavropanos in the summer to a roster that already included Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Thilo Kehrer, and Angelo Ogbonna, Moyes is thought to be eager to enhance his squad in January by recruiting a new center defender.

In order for West Ham to be able to afford a high-priced signing in the New Year, it has been reported that they will need Maguire to take a pay cut from his current weekly wage of £200,000.

West Ham’s pursuit of Maguire’s signature could be challenged by many Serie A teams, notably AC Milan, who are also said to be interested in the defender.

Maguire is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025 and played the whole 90 minutes of England’s 3-1 triumph over Italy in Euro 2024 qualifying on Tuesday.