Manchester United are preparing a world-record bid for Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire according to Sky Sports. The news comes just hours after a report in the Mirror suggested we were set to sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld in a deal worth around £60m.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solekhol believes a bid for Maguire is imminent as United try and complete a deal for the centre-back before the window shuts in just four days time. It is understood that the Englishman is United manager Jose Mourinho’s prime defensive target.
However, a world record bid for a defender (eclipsing Van Dijk to Liverpool, £70m) will be required to secure Maguire’s services. United are aware of the large fee it will take to prize the player away from Leicester this late on in the window.
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Leicester manager Claude Puel was confident last week that his player would stay at the club. “I am confident about the presence of Harry for this season. He is a very good player for us,” said Puel.
Maguire impressed at the King Power last season, picking up the player of the season award after a £17m switch from relegated Hull. He also had an excellent World Cup, helping England reach their first tournament semi-finals since 1990, as well as scoring in the quarter-final against Sweden.
According to Sky Sports’ report, Yerry Mina and Toby Alderweireld are still options for Jose Mourinho if a move for Maguire does not materialise.
