Manchester United Transfer News: Claude Puel Hopes to Keep Harry Maguire

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has said he wants to retain England international Harry Maguire after interest from Manchester United.

According to Matt Dorman of Goal, the Foxes boss also declared on Saturday that he hopes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel remains at the King Power Stadium after the stopper was linked with a switch to Chelsea.

After seeing his side lose to 2-1 to Udinese in Austria, the Frenchman told reporters it is important for his club to retain the services of the pair as they continue preparations for the new Premier League campaign:

"I think we can keep both players. It is crucial for us.

"We cannot lose players just a few days before the beginning of the season. We would not be able to find a solution and we cannot be behind.

"Kasper and Maguire are so valuable for us. It is important to maintain our structure, our squad and all our valuable players for the team."

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Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star recently reported the Red Devils would have to pay £80 million—a world-record fee for a defender—for the 25-year-old English centre-back, who dazzled for his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. 

Cross added Leicester are under no financial pressure to sell during the current transfer window, meaning United manager Jose Mourinho must sanction a huge fee if he wants to force a deal.

Football writer Liam Canning tweeted that he thinks United should move for the Sheffield-born player, but he added that the club should retain the services of Marcos Rojo:

Maguire is a ball-playing centre-back, which is something United have missed since the departure of Rio Ferdinand in 2014, and is excellent in the air at both ends of the pitch.

The Foxes player started six games at Russia 2018, scoring once and providing an assist as England reached the semi-finals to the surprise of many.

Maguire is clearly ready for the step up, with his composure making him perfect for Old Trafford, but his club will rightfully demand a massive bounty.

However, United could still pass on the player, according to Manchester Evening News journalist James Robson.

Robson reported that Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld remains on the radar:

Maguire may not move, but it is clear United need to purchase a player for the heart of their defensive unit.

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have suffered with consistent injuries, while Chris Smalling's stock has plummeted over the past 12 months.

Alderweireld has proved himself at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League and for his country, Belgium, on their way to a third-place finish at the World Cup.

However, he is 29 years old and would represent a shorter-term investment than Maguire.