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Manchester United target England star Harry Maguire

Dimitri Kondonis

Harry Maguire is a transfer target for Manchester United despite Leicester’s reluctance to sell, according to reports.

The Red Devils made a move for the England centre-back’s services last summer but were put off by a £70million valuation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has since been appointed permanent manager - replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm - but the club remains keen on the former Hull City and Sheffield United man.

Maguire’s valuation has sky-rocketed since he starred in England’s run to the semi-finals of 2018 World Cup, while also becoming a mainstay of Leicester City’s backline.

Indeed, the 26-year-old’s fine form prompted the Foxes to hand Maguire a new five-year contract last September last year.

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But United have struggled to find an adequate defensive partnership to match the one enjoyed by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during the latter years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at the club.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were tasked with helping restore United back to former glories but have failed to reach their potential at Old Trafford.

And the duo have found themselves under fire from both fans and media after a series of poor performances.

As a result, a number of players could be making their way into and out of the Manchester club - with Paul Pogba linked with a move and the long-serving Antonio Valencia set to leave on a free transfer.

Maguire is not the only defender rumoured to be interesting United, either. Crystal Palace’s English starlet Aaron Wan-Bissaka burst onto the scene last season and impressed the United hierarchy.

The right-back - who can also play at centre-back - impressed under Roy Hodgson’s guidance last season and has a number of top clubs after his services.

Although United had a £40m bid rejected for the youngster, they are said to be ready to up their offer as they look to avoid repeating mistakes from bygone seasons.

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