Man Utd prepared to offer close to £80million to win race and secure signing

Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in luring Leicester City’s Harry Maguire and reports suggest that the Red Devils are prepared to move in with a big offer to sign the defender.

According to The Mail, the Old Trafford club think that they will beat off competition from the Sky Blues to secure the signing of the England international.

The British source have mentioned that the Foxes value their prized asset at £80million, however, the Citizens, who are looking to replace Kompany, value him closer to £50million. On the other hand, Man Utd are prepared to offer close to £80million to get his signing done.

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Last season, Man United conceded 54 goals in the Premier League, finished sixth in the table and failed to book their place in the next season’s Champions League.

Not just the team’s above United, 7th placed Wolves, 8th placed Everton, 9th placed Leicester City, 12th placed Crystal Palace and even 13th placed Newcastle United conceded fewer goals than the 20-time English champions.

So, Solskajer really needs to strengthen his back-line in the summer transfer window.

As far as the central defense is concerned, United have players like Bailly, Lindelof, Rojo, Jones and Smalling around but none of them have stepped up to become the leader of the team’s back-line.

Maguire had a fantastic World Cup and UEFA Nations League campaign with England, moreover, since moving to the Foxes in 2017, he has been the leader of their defense.

If United do end up splashing £80million to secure the signing then the 26-year-old will become the most expensive defender in the history of the game. Right now, the most expensive defender in the world is Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who moved to Anfield for a fee of £75million (The Guardian).

The Dutch international effectively commanded the Reds’ defense last season and deservedly won the PFA Player of the Year award. The Red Devils need a leader like him to solve their defensive conundrum.