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United to step up chase of England star Maguire: reports
LONDON, July 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – England central defender Harry
Maguire’s impressive performances at the World Cup has made him a prime
target for Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, according to British
media reports on Saturday.
The 25-year-old is believed to want to secure the move although
Leicester’s Thai owners are reluctant to sell after another of their stars
Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez moved to champions Manchester City last month
for a club record fee of œ60million ($79million).
Maguire, who impressed alongside John Stones in England’s run to the
World Cup semi-finals, will cost œ65million with part of the outlay being
offset by selling Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo — United value him at
œ30million — and Italian full-back Matteo Darmian, the Daily Mirror claims.
Rojo is attracting interest from Premier League newboys Wolverhampton
Wanderers whilst Darmian is coveted by both the Milan clubs.
According to the Daily Mail the injury-prone 28-year-old Rojo — who cost
United œ16million when he signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 — has been
removed from the club’s branding by the marketing department for the upcoming
season.
The Sun reports that Maguire’s chances of moving to United could depend
on whether Leicester are successful in buying Newcastle skipper Jamaal
Lascelles, they are preparing a œ35million bid for the player voted by the
fans The Magpies player of last season.
Maguire, who played every minute of ‘The Foxes’ league campaign last
season after signing from Hull City on a five year contract, not only stood
out in defence at the World Cup but crowned his first major finals with a
goal in the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Adding extra spice should the move go through — transfer deadline day is
August 9 — United and Leicester kick-off the new season on August 10.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1832 hrs