Manchester United Transfer News: Harry Maguire Fee Reportedly £75M

Leicester City will demand £75 million from Manchester United for Harry Maguire, according to Metro's Sean Kearns. 

That's likely hefty enough to put off the Red Devils from trying to sign the England international, with the Old Trafford club reluctant to match the world-record fee for a defender paid by rivals Liverpool to acquire Virgil van Dijk in January.

Kearns noted how United are prepared to work out a transfer set to recompense the Foxes up to £55 million. However, Leicester aren't in a rush to sell since Maguire, who only joined the club on a five-year contract from Hull City last summer.

The Foxes' demands could scupper United's bid to add a young talisman to an already capable defence. United conceded the second-fewest goals in the Premier League last season, but manager Jose Mourinho is still open to upgrading his options at the heart of the back line.

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His club has already approached Leicester about the 25-year-old, per James Nursey of the Daily Mirror, although his report put Maguire's value at £65 million. The fact Maguire's asking price seems to increase with every fresh cycle of rumours only underlines how much Leicester are likely to fight to keep him.

In fact, "the Foxes are privately making their position on Maguire clear" ahead of the deadline for this summer's transfer window on August 9, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

Hitting a roadblock in pursuit of Maguire may only add to United manager Jose Mourinho's apparent discontent. Kearns said Mourinho is frustrated with the United board, with signings—or the lack thereof—the probable cause.

It's easy to see why Mourinho would want Maguire since he is rapidly maturing into a formidable and accomplished centre-back. Specifically, he is combining brawn and aggression with a natural composure in possession.

The mix makes Maguire an obvious focal point for any defence. Mourinho hasn't found one of those in his two years in charge at Old Trafford despite spending £60 million to sign Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

Injuries and inconsistency from England internationals Chris Smalling and Phil Jones haven't helped, while discipline and fitness problems have plagued Marcos Rojo's time at the club. There is a space for Maguire in Mourinho's best starting XI, but Leicester's position is strong.

He's a recent investment who can form a tough partnership with former United man Jonny Evans at the King Power Stadium. United have the resources to sign most players, but don't expect the Foxes to make things easy if this brewing saga drags on.