Manchester United are reportedly confident they can complete a deal for Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire before the transfer window shuts.
According to Manchester Evening News, talks have progressed between the two clubs in recent days with United stepping up their efforts to sign the 26-year-old because of Eric Bailly’s lengthy injury setback.
The Reds will have to pay a world record fee for a defender, surpassing the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton.
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Maguire has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer and MEN’s report claims the Foxes are still holding out for £90m. However, it is said that United are confident they can negotiate on the asking price and secure the transfer in a position that desperately needs strengthening.
Although he’s an expensive one, Maguire is a crucial signing for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to acquire in the final week of the transfer window. Solskjaer can’t afford to rely on the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to partner Victor Lindelof in defence next season; Maguire is a far superior option to the English pair.
Moreover, the report suggests if United do eventually sign Maguire, then Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling could be up for sale as there will be an excess of centre-backs in Solskjaer’s squad.
