Leicester to Reportedly Offer Harry Maguire New Deal Amid Man United Rumours
July 31, 2018
Leicester City are reportedly ready to offer Harry Maguire a new contract after blocking a potential move to Manchester United.
According to Dave Armitage of the Daily Mirror, a switch to Old Trafford represents a "dream move" for Maguire and United were ready to spend a whopping £65 million to bring in the England international.
However, Leicester are said to be ready to dig their heels in and keep Maguire, who starred for England at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, unless they receive a bid of £80 million. They will also reportedly hand him a new contract.
"Leicester are poised to slap a £95,000 a week new deal in front of the 25-year-old—almost doubling his current £50,000 a week wages," said Armitage. "That £45,000 hike spread over four years means Maguire stands to haul in an extra £9.36m on the back of his Russian exploits and United's interest."
It's added that agreeing to those terms would make Maguire the second-highest earner at Leicester after Jamie Vardy. The club's owners are said to be keen to make a stand in the transfer window after Manchester City's prolonged and eventually successful pursuit of Riyad Mahrez:
The new contract on the table for Maguire comes just a year after he actually signed for Leicester from Hull City, during which time he's made major progress.
Maguire won the club's Player of the Year prize after settling in quickly at the heart of the defence. The 25-year-old was wonderful to watch, as he defended with commitment and aggression, showcasing a fair degree of leadership in his play too.
The England man is also excellent in possession, whether that be passing out from the back or setting off on what have become trademark dribbles forward to get attacks started.
The interest from United is not a surprise as a result, and Rob Blanchette believes they will ultimately get their man if they are serious about signing Maguire:
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho does have some big decisions to make in central defence. With Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo all available, the coach isn't short of numbers in the position, although each of the five players named has his issues to contend with.
Football journalist Tom Williams doesn't think adding Maguire would necessarily be an antidote to those problems:
Even so, Leicester's determination to keep their star defender is understandable. Not only would he be a difficult man to replace, with the transfer window closing prior to the start of the Premier League season, time is at a premium to get fresh faces through the door.
Maguire may be disappointed if the move doesn't come off, as his stock is currently sky-high following a fine World Cup. However, a new contract with Leicester should ensure he's focused for 2018-19 and ready for another excellent campaign.