Everton transfer news as £60m development emerges in Harry Maguire twist

Everton are monitoring the situation of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, after West Ham had a £60million double offer for the defender and Scott McTominay rejected, according to the Independent.

The newspaper reported via their website on 7 August that Everton are aiming to make their own move for the England international defender, who is coming to accept that he may need to leave Manchester United to better his Euro 2024 hopes.

Everton were linked with Maguire as manager Sean Dyche is keen on bringing him to Goodison Park [TEAMtalk, 1 August], and the Toffees were boosted by ESPN journalist Mark Ogden's opinion that he will leave United this summer.

Maguire would improve an already solid defence

It is well known that Dyche specialises in keeping a tight defence as his main priority, with four of the five wins Everton achieved under his management last season ending 1-0. Adding a dominant aerial presence and confident defender in Maguire would only improve this solid block.

As much as his performances have been scrutinised and turned into a bit of a running joke in Manchester, Maguire remains a fantastic defender, which is exemplified by his continued presence in Gareth Southgate's national team selections.

Confident in and out of possession, and more than capable of holding a low block together with the leadership that once earned him the coveted Manchester United captain's armband, Maguire would be a fantastic addition to Dyche's side.

Everton have been targeting moves for a number of defenders this summer, although their priority is to bring in a new forward, as they have been credited with an interest in Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, and Juventus centre-back Koni de Winter.

In other Everton news, the club have made contact with Leicester and Southampton over striker deals.