Manchester United make formal approach for £65m-rated defender

Manchester United have reportedly made an official approach to sign defender Harry Maguire from Leicester City this summer. The centre-back has come off a strong display for England at the recent World Cup in Russia and this has made him the leading defensive target for United before next month’s deadline.
According to Sky Sports News, United have made a formal attempt to secure the signing of Maguire, who was named the Foxes’ Player of the Year last term. It is added that the Englishman also fancies the prospect of joining the Mancunian giants, although the move is unlikely to be straightforward.
As per The Manchester Evening News, United would have to first offload one of their existing centre-backs before making an approach for the Englishman. Maguire is presently valued at around £65m and sources suggest that the Red Devils may consider the potential sale of Marcos Rojo to recoup part of the funds for the proposed transfer.
On the other hand, Sky Sports suggests that the Foxes have no plans of selling Maguire whatsoever this summer. The east Midlands outfit have recently received a blow after losing the services of long-serving attacker Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City and they are now keen to avoid the loss of another key asset ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Taking both aspects in mind, United appear to be facing an uphill battle of signing the Englishman regardless of his desire to join them and the next few weeks could give a clear indication whether they can find a breakthrough with the Foxes for the Sheffield-born ace.
Maguire, who was one of the standout performers for England at the World Cup, joined the Foxes from Hull City for a fee of around £17m last summer. He has four years remaining on his existing deal with Leicester City which places them in a strong position to ignore any transfer bids.