West Ham have made two separate £30m bids for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay as they look to entice the Man Utd pair away from Old Trafford.
The Hammers had a £20m bid for Maguire rejected last month as well as a loan approach but their latest offer is much closer to the Red Devils’ £35m valuation.
They have also tabled an offer for midfielder McTominay, but that falls £15m short of United’s desired £45m for the 26-year-old and has been rejected.
Mail Sport understands that United will not force the two to leave and the ball is in West Ham’s court to hit the target in excess of £70m for the duo.
The Manchester outfit would have to subsidise Maguire’s enormous wages if he joined West Ham or pay him off to go.
West Ham have submitted an improved bid of £30m for Man Utd’s Harry Maguire
They have also bid £30m for Scott McTominay, though United want £45m for his services
Maguire hopes to stay and fight for his place but faces competition from Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and, rather unexpectedly, Jonny Evans.
He was ᵴtriƥped of the captaincy last month in favour of Bruno Fernandes and endured a tricky season in Manchester last term, losing his starting place.
Should a move go ahead, it would bring an end to his four-year stay at the club.
McTominay is a graduate of United’s youth academy and has made over 200 appearances across seven seasons at the club but he was in and out of the team last campaign with injuries.
United are also looking to offload centre-back Eric Bailly, who has received two offers from the Saudi Pro League.
United need to sell before they make their next transfer move with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo among their targets.
United have also held discussions about the merits of Everton’s Amadou Onana and Leeds United’s Tyler Adams but those talks have not progressed.
Galatasaray’s pursuit of Fred has fallen short so far but Fulham retain an interest as well as clubs from Saudi.
West Ham have had a frustrating start to the summer but have agreed a £34m deal with Ajax for midfielder Edson Alvarez.
David Moyes’ position as manager has come under strain following a row over recruitment. Moyes, new technical director Tim Steidten and co-owner David Sullivan have differing opinions about transfer targets.
Maguire has had a hard time after a litany of errors but could revive his career in London
West Ham have had an exasperating transfer window and David Moyes could be under threat after disagreements with new technical director Tim Steidten and co-owner David Sullivan