Manchester United are reportedly willing to include Andreas Pereira in any potential deal for Leicester City defender Harry Maguire to lower his asking price.

Manchester United are searching for a bonafide central defender after yet another disappointing season in the Premier League. They have been firmly interested in a move for Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, but his high asking price is proving to be a problem. Daily Mail are reporting that the Red Devils are considering including midfielder Andreas Pereira as a makeweight in any deal for Maguire.

Leicester City are demanding as much as £90 million for Maguire. The Foxes are refusing to budge on their valuation of the defender after Maguire enjoyed another excellent season. Maguire played 31 games for Leicester last season to help them finish 9th in the Premier League. Since last summer’s World Cup, Maguire has also firmly established himself with the English national side.

Will Maguire join Manchester United in the summer? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Will Maguire join Manchester United in the summer? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

His value skyrocketed after some brilliant performances at the World Cup last summer, thus attracting interest from Manchester United. The Old Trafford side were planning to make an offer till the last day of last summer’s transfer window. But, Maguire stayed put before subsequently signing a new five-year-deal with Leicester. However, Maguire is now thought to be available.

With some of their higher priority targets being too unrealistic to get onboard, Maguire propelled up their list, and naturally, Manchester United started enquiring about the England international, and for good reason, following the disasters of last season.

Manchester United though, face competition from neighbours Manchester City, who are also reportedly in the race. However, due to Leicester’s high valuation, initially both clubs refused to pay the demanded fee, although United are now showing a willingness to do a deal.

They are prepared to include attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira in any potential offer for Maguire. By doing so, they are hoping Leicester drop the price placed on Maguire substantially, although it remains to be seen if the Foxes are prepared to accept these terms. Pereira was in and out of the Manchester United side last season and is considered dispensable.

Andreas Pereira is set to be included in a deal for Harry Maguire. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Andreas Pereira is set to be included in a deal for Harry Maguire. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

United protected their investment by triggering a one-year extension in the Brazilian’s contract last season, and his deal at the club now expires in 2020. United would be hoping to bring Maguire’s value down to at least £80 million, an amount they are reportedly willing to pay.

Manchester City, on the other hand, could come back into the race and provide Maguire with a better option, especially since they will be playing Champions League football next season. However, in the end, Maguire will have to make a call on his future at some point and choose the right team for him to progress.

Will Manchester United be able to lure Maguire without Champions League football? And will Leicester want Pereira in their ranks? All questions could be answered in the coming days as the build-up to the next season continues in full swing.

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