Man U optimistic over £80m Harry Maguire deal

Manchester United believes they can win the race to sign Harry Maguire due to Manchester City’s reluctance to pay in excess of £80million for the Leicester defender.

It’s understood that Maguire would prefer to join the back-to-back Premier League champions this summer, but City’s valuation of the England international is closer to £50million.

United are prepared to bid nearer to Leicester’s asking price and hope to persuade the 26-year-old that his future lies at Old Trafford.

City are looking to replace Vincent Kompany while United recognise the need to strengthen in central defence after conceding more goals last season than any time in the last 40 years.

Maguire fits the profile of the young British player wanted by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rebuild his squad following the £17m signing of Wales winger Daniel James.

England Under 21 right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another prime target for United this summer, but they will have to raise their offer closer to Crystal Palace’s £60m valuation after having an opening bid of £40m rejected.

United also maintain a long-standing interest in Newcastle’s £20m-rated midfielder Sean Longstaff but would prefer to bring in a more high-profile signing like Wan-Bissaka or Maguire first after acquiring James from Championship club Swansea City.