At first, it might have seemed like an obvious transfer rumour for somebody to make up
Harry Maguire, fresh from a strong showing for England at the World Cup, to Manchester United, a team many felt were light of a decent centre-half or two.
Now though, with the transfer window set to close to English clubs in a couple of weeks, such rumours appear to be gathering some serious momentum.
It’s been widely reported that United are seriously considering a move for Maguire. In return, the word is that the Leicester defender is open to heading to Old Trafford.
Writing in the Manchester Evening News, James Robson claims the 25-year-old is now ‘convinced’ he will complete his transfer to United.
There are, however, a couple of potential stumbling blocks. Leicester, despite reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in replacements, are thought to be reluctant to let Maguire leave – even though they could receive £65m for him.
Maguire, who only arrived at Leicester from Hull last summer, is also not the only central defender in Jose Mourinho’s sights. United were linked with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld earlier in the summer, only for it to be claimed the two clubs were £20m apart in their valuation of the Belgian international. Despite this, the same report in the MEN suggests United have not completely killed off their interest in Alderweireld and that a move for the 29-year-old could still happen.
It remains to be seen if Maguire, who is thought to be keen to play Champions League football, pushes for a move to Manchester. Four years younger than Alderweireld, he is said to be a more appealing target to United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
