West Ham ‘talk openly to Man United about Scott McTominay, but it will require a ‘very big offer’ to move the midfielder away from Old Trafford

West Ham have reportedly held initial talks with Manchester United about signing Scott McTominay.

The Hammers are looking to strengthen their midfield following the big-money departure of captain Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier this month.

Ans Sky Sports claims that they have formally approached United to determine the price of McTominay.

The report adds that the midfielder is seen as an important member of the team and that it would require a “very large offer” for the Red Devils to consider a sale.

There is said to be a gap between United’s valuation and what West Ham is willing to pay.

The Scotland international has been deprived of a regular place in the starting XI under Erik ten Hag after the acquisitions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last season in the middle of the park.

With the Dutch manager’s ongoing shake-up at Old Trafford and a reported desire to improve playing time, this summer could be his time to leave the club.

With the club hampered by financial fair play restrictions, they may not be able to sign a direct replacement for McTominay, opting to keep the player for at least another year.

At the same time, the lure of some much-needed income could prove too much to turn down, should Ten Hag identify a player at another position he’s willing to bring on.

The Scotsman’s contract at Old Trafford doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025, and Ten Hag and Co retain the option to extend it for another year and will be in no hurry to sell as a result.

Despite failing to find a fixed first-team place for McTominay, it remains unclear if Ten Hag will be willing to let the player leave this summer.

Although he made 39 appearances in all competitions as a midfield cover, only 16 of those were from the start and just 10 in the Premier League.

McTominay is seen as an important member of the team and would require a ‘very big offer’

However, McTominay has admitted that he has enjoyed Ten Hag’s no-nonsense approach to coaching, and how players are challenged to “think of new ideas”, saying: “Obviously the transition in terms of his style is very, very different to other coaches.”

But, as I say, that’s football. It always makes you think, and it makes you think of new ideas and things like that.

‘It’s good, that’s the best way to be with football. Open-minded and going into every game, if he asks you to do something, you do it to the best of your ability and try to learn it to the best of your ability.’