Manchester City have handed over a massive advantage to Solskjaer by plugging off the deal.
Manchester City have not approached Leicester City for Harry Maguire since they were told to pay the world record fee. The Foxes turned down £65 million bids from Manchester sides later last month.
According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils showed instant interest by raising the fee to £70 million, but the Citizens are yet to respond to the Foxes demands. Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester instantly turned down a move believing a world-record fee would be an ample fee for Harry Maguire. It is a crystal clear indication of City’s philosophy to not spend an inordinate fee for a player.
However, with home ground-rule coming to play, Pep Guardiola will have to sign an English player to extend his squad. The Citizens were able to register only 21 players in the Premier League because they possessed just four home ground players. They need four more players to stretch their squad. Fabian Delph’s departure has caused a stir in the squad and the reigning league winners need a United Kingdom player.
In a recent interview, Pep Guardiola was not confident of finding a replacement for their former captain Vincent Kompany.
He said: “There is a chance but I don’t know if it will be possible. We have three good central defenders, Fernandinho can play in that position, so we will see.
“We are so happy in the squad that we have. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the end of the market; if the players still here are going to stay or if players are going to come. I’m delighted with the players we have.”
Meanwhile, the Red Devils legend Gary Neville feels that the centre-back has all qualities to shine at Old Trafford. Harry Maguire has told the board to listen to offers if the evaluation is met. If not, the Foxes will keep him for one more season irrespective of the defender’s wish.
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What’s next?
This will come as a huge piece of news for Manchester United, who are desperate for a centre-back. A deal could Harry Maguire will materialize if the valuation is met.
