Harry Maguire seems like a nice, uncomplicated young man. A Golden Retriever of a centre-back who will chase the ball for you all day and not ask too many difficult questions. An honest, no-nonsense character who, until this season, knew little beyond the simple ways of Hull City and Sheffield United. So it would be interesting to know what he thinks of Riyad Mahrez.

We’re led to believe that Leicester City’s players have been far from impressed with the Algerian’s training-skipping shenanigans since his proposed move to Manchester City fell through last month. But an impressionable chap like Maguire could also be intrigued by the exotic winger’s zany antics. Maybe it’s given him some ideas for when Man City try to buy him?

Well we’re about to find out, because apparently, City are trying to buy him, and so are Manchester United.

The Mirror reports that the Mancunian rivals are set to get involved in a “tug-of-war” to land the Foxes defender this summer. Maguire moved to the King Power Stadium for £17m in June , but now the 25-year-old’s value is said to have tripled to £50m.

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Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to focus on bolstering his defence this summer after signing Alexis Sanchez, while City boss Pep Guardiola is allegedly keen on Maguire even though he has just signed Aymeric Laporte for £57m.

The Foxes are “bracing themselves for bids” for their star defender. Let’s hope for their sake Riyad doesn’t convince Harry to go on strike with him or start a bed-in protest, John and Yoko-style.

Marco Silva in line for Chelsea job

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte’s grasp on the Chelsea hotseat grows ever more slippery with the news that the Blues are lining up Marco Silva as a possible replacement for the Italian.

The Times says the recently sacked Watford boss has emerged as a “surprise contender” if Chelsea find themselves in need of a caretaker manager this season, with the Portuguese coach apparently “admired” by influential Stamford Bridge director Marina Granovskaia.

Silva is being considered on a short-term basis, but he may end up getting the gig full-time if Chelsea’s attempts to appoint Luis Enrique are scuppered by Arsenal.

Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo says the Gunners could “hijack” Enrique’s move to west London and instead lure him to the north side of town as a replacement for Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman’s Emirates future is apparently “being considered” by the Arsenal board, but we’ve heard that before.

Elsewhere, Man City have agreed a “deal in principle” to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred in a £44.5m deal (Goal), Man Utd midfielder Ander Herrera is a £32m target for AC Milan (Express) and Cristiano Ronaldo has given the “green light” for Real Madrid to sign five new players (including the likes of Real Sociedad defender Alvaro Odriozola) but has “blocked” any potential move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar (Express). Because everyone knows Neymar isn’t as good as Alvaro Odriozola.

@darlingkevin