Transfer News: Manchester United optimistic of success in Harry Maguire chase

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly confident of landing Leicester City’s £75 million-rated defender Harry Maguire, who is also a Manchester City target.

According to a report by Daily Mail, Manchester United are optimistic over their prospects winning the race to sign against Manchester City to sign Harry Maguire in this summer’s transfer window. The Red Devils have proposed a £75 million move for Leicester City defender and are hoping to strike a deal with the Foxes soon.

Harry Maguire has seen his stock skyrocket on the back of three stupendous campaigns in the Premier League that have made him a highly sought-after figure in the transfer market. Add to that his exploits with England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Leicester City defender can seem to do very little wrong.

Last summer, it had seemed like he could be on his way out of the King Power Stadium, with Manchester United hot on his trails. But, a move eventually failed to materialise and after a strong season with the Foxes, the 26-year-old has new admirers in Manchester City, with the Red Devils reigniting their interest in him as well.

At Manchester City, the departure of Vincent Kompany will likely create a huge void, one that needs to be filled urgently, seeing as Nicolas Otamendi is past his best. Aymeric Laporte and John Stones are thus, the only other centre-backs at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, meaning a move for Maguire makes sense, considering he could be the imposing figure that Kompany was for a long time.

Manchester United, on the other hand, are in need of some inspiration at the back, with Victor Lindelof the only consistent performer this past season. With the other central defenders failing to deliver, pursuing a player who has considerable experience in the Premier League, and has been a solid performer, would be a step in the right direction for United.

For a long time though, it looked as if Manchester United would have to admit defeat in the race to sign Maguire, who reportedly prefers a move to Manchester City. However, the red half of Manchester may be set to land the Leicester City defender.

While United, like City, are unwilling to meet Leicester’s £85 million valuation of the player, they are hoping to reach a compromise with the Foxes over a £75 million deal. And, the report suggests that the Red Devils are optimistic of reaching an agreement with Leicester over their proposed sum.

But, it all depends on how the talks progress between the two former Premier League champions and with Leicester pursuing a deal for James Tarkowski, a move could be in the offing. It now remains to be seen if Manchester United are now indeed able to secure the services of Maguire, especially with City likely bowing out of the race.