Manchester United Transfer News: Harry Maguire Targeted, Chris Smalling Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly ready to cut ties with Chris Smalling this summer and will look to recruit Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire as his replacement.

Steve Bates of the Sunday People wrote that United manager Jose Mourinho has been "hugely impressed" with Maguire, who is valued at £35 million, almost double the fee Leicester paid to sign him from Hull City last summer (h/t the Mirror).

Maguire swiftly cemented his place as a leading figure in his first season at the King Power Stadium, and it looks as though he will be in England's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Smalling's spot isn't as assured.

It's believed United want to find an upgrade in central defence to slot alongside Eric Bailly. Despite his recent match-winner in a 3-2 comeback win against Manchester City, Smalling hasn't done enough to convince those who matter he fits that bill, said Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

Bailly has been a revelation at centre-back since moving to Old Trafford from Villarreal in 2016, but Smalling and other options in that area, like Phil Jones and Daley Blind, haven't been able to match his quality.

Maguire has taken Smalling's spot in Gareth Southgate's England team in recent months, and the Three Lions have yet to concede a goal in the four international matches in which he has played.

Bates noted Mourinho's scouting reports on the Foxes star have been favourable, and it could be that Maguire also wrests Smalling's spot away at club level.

The 25-year-old cuts an imposing figure at 6'4" and boasts a stocky frame, and Maguire recently spoke of his aspirations to play like past England greats Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, per Goal:

United have the joint-best defence in the Premier League this season, having conceded only 25 goals in 32 games, but finding a replacement for Smalling could be one route to improve on that record.

Maguire could be considered a superior option to Smalling in terms of ball-playing ability. Team-mate Kasper Schmeichel described the defender as a bargain recruit earlier this year, per the Mirror's James Nursey:

It seems almost certain United will look to once again invest in their back line this summer, and Maguire could be one homegrown option to replace Smalling, whose chances at Old Trafford appear to be running out.