Man Utd still want Harry Maguire in summer transfer window despite Leicester City’s £90m asking priceManchester United have not been put off by Leicester City’s sky high asking price for Harry Maguire. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Ed Woodward to make his move for the England centre back, despite Leicester slapping a £90million valuation on his head.
That is considered excessive by Man Utd’s hierarchy – but has not prompted them to drop their pursuit of the 26-year-old, who they first targeted last summer.
Solskjaer wants a top class central defender as part of his Old Trafford rebuild this summer.
He has made it one of his priority positions to fill – along with right back, where he hopes to recruit Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka .
United accept they will have to break their transfer record for a defender twice to land both of Solskjaer’s targets – but Woodward has already assured his manager he will financially back an extensive overhaul of the squad.
United walked away from Maguire 12 months ago – believing Leicester’s valuation of £60-70m was inflated by his impressive World Cup. But they will almost certainly have to pay in excess of that to land him now. They are determined, however, to keep the price well below £90m and will hope to strike a deal for less than £80m.
Manchester City are also interested in Maguire – but Leicester’s asking price could rule them out.Solskjaer is a big admirer of Ajax teenager Matthijs de Ligt – but United are convinced he is on his way to Barcelona.
Kalidou Koulibaly remains a target – but Maguire fits United’s strategy of recruiting the best domestic talent.Solskjaer has kicked his summer business with the signing of Daniel James from Swansea - and hopes to have his recruitment completed by the start of next month.
United are set to return with an improved offer for Wan Bissaka after seeing a £35m bid - rising to £40m with add-ons - rejected by Crystal Palace.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff is another target and it's believed United will make a formal offer for the 21-year-old once they have filled the priority areas of right back and centre back.
Despite the signing of James, Solskjaer is also considering the addition of another attacker with Lille winger Nicolas Pepe a player he's watched.
United have also expressed interest in Bruno Fernandes and Idrissa Gueye, with Solskjaer hoping to add two midfielders. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/man-utd-transfer-news-united-still-want-harry-maguire-despite-leicester-city-s-90m-asking-price-a4166301.html
