According to the latest reports from the Sun, Manchester United will make a further bid for Harry Maguire before the transfer window closes. It is also said that their valuation is ahead of Manchester City. Reports earlier came out that both the Manchester heavyweights put in a bid of £70m which was rejected by Leicester City.
Maguire is reportedly miffed with Leicester that they have kept a price tag of £85m for him. The defender had signed a new contract with the Foxes last September and still has four years left on his contract. Maguire had emerged as a prime transfer target for the Red Devils, but with City also interested, many felt that the defender might prefer a move to the Premier League holders.
Why Manchester United need a defender?
Ole Gunnar Solskjær has a lot of problem areas to solve in the squad but none more than defence. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are way past their prime and have become error prone. Eric Bailly has failed to hit the heights which were expected of him, and he has also been troubled because of various injuries.
Only Victor Lindelof seems to be a decent and plausible option at the club right now, and it is no surprise to see United trying everything to bring in Maguire.
What will Maguire bring at Old Trafford?
The 26-year-old enhanced his reputation big time in the past few years by becoming a regular in England’s national team setup. One area where Maguire stands out is his on the ball quality. The Englishman is brave and calm on the ball and can play out from the back with ease. He often likes to sit tight on his marker so he would fit in well into a team that wants to play a high press style. Maguire also has the aerial prowess and physical game to cope up with the challenges of the Premier League.
Should Ole sign him for over £70m?
It is understandable why Maguire is angry with Leicester as they have set an exorbitant price for the defender which prospective clubs would be reluctant to pay. However, United have become the victim of their own success as selling clubs are aware that United rakes in huge money every year from marketing and sponsorship point of view.
The club recently signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka for £50m who had just one good season in the English top flight. Therefore one cannot blame Leicester for demanding big money for Maguire who is an established player at the top level and is currently in his prime. If United want to solve their defensive problems, then they will have to shell out over £70m to get the defender.
