Manchester United may have their eye on Harry Maguire but Leicester City are planning to chase off any approach.
According to BBC Sport, the Foxes are “determined” to keep hold of their England international, whose rise to the top has been a result of his consistent displays for the Three Lions during the World Cup.
Tough negotiators
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The BBC, among others, claim that United have made an enquiry about the 25-year-old and that Jose Mourinho dropped hints earlier in the week that he wanted to sign the strapping defender. But the Beeb says that Maguire, who started every Premier League game last season, is an integral part of the Foxes’ furniture and they are “privately making their position on Maguire clear”.
United may think they have the allure and financial muscle to prise Maguire from the King Power Stadium but the BBC reminds the Red Devils that Leicester have proved to be “tough negotiators” in the past. The club saw off several attempts by Manchester City to winkle Riyad Mahrez from the club at the start of this year, finally selling him this summer for £60m.
Time for Plan B?
Goal.com says Maguire will only be allowed to leave Leicester “if a huge fee is offered”. What sort of fee? In excess of £75m, claims the website, and consequently that’s left United considering a Plan B.
That involves making a move for Tottenham and Belgian blocker Toby Alderweireld. Goal.com says United were “initially keen” on signing the Tottenham centre-back but were put off by an equally exorbitant price tag.
Apparently Spurs are demanding around £70m for the 29-year-old, while United value him – on account of his age – at £55m.
It’s believed United are confident the two clubs can meet halfway and agree a price that will see Alderweireld moving to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes in a fortnight.
Perisic in, Martial out
Meanwhile the Daily Mirror reports that United are still keen on signing Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan.
The Croatian World Cup star, who is 29, was a target for United boss Mourinho last summer, but his impressive performances in Russia would now command a fee in the region of £60m.
The Mirror says United want to bring midfielder Perisic to Old Trafford before letting Anthony Martial leave the club.
United want £70m for French forward Martial, who is 22. He has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Chelsea.