Harry Maguire flattered by Man Utd's interest as Leicester sets world record | Football | sport

United had made a £ 70m bid for the defender rejected last week while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was looking for a partner for Victor Lindelof.

Maguire has imposed himself as one of the central defenders of the Premier League over the past two seasons since arriving in Leicester.

His comfort on the ball, his air dominance and his awareness of the position led Solskjaer to identify Maguire as the cure for the woes of United's bottom line.

And, according to Goal, sources close to the negotiations say that Maguire is "flattered" by the interest of the Red Devils.

The report also states that Maguire is "keen" to be part of the reconstruction of Solskjaer at United, which has already spent £ 60 million, which could reach £ 68 million this window.

Solskjaer has expressed his desire to recruit the best young English talent as part of his revolution and Maguire, although 26 years old, has his heyday in front of him.

Leicester themselves, however, give Maguire reasons to stay with an exciting team built under Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes signed James Justin of Luton earlier in the window before winning Ayoze Perez of Newcastle for £ 30m.

The biggest blow was confirmed Monday afternoon, while Yuri Tielemans joined Monaco after having lent the back end of last season.

Leicester apparently needed £ 90 million for Maguire, which would easily overshadow the £ 75 million that Liverpool paid to Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.

The Fox are in a position of strength because of the long-term agreement signed by Maguire in 2018, which keeps him in the club until 2023.

"It would be very difficult for Harry Maguire, as we said, to refuse a change in any of Manchester's clubs," Sky Sports reporter David Reed told Good Morning Transfers last week.

"However, we know that Maguire will not ask for the move." He is very grateful to Leicester for the way they treated him, recognizing that he gave him a chance when he left Hull for £ 17 million in cash. 2017.

"He's also a very down-to-earth guy. I have already spoken to him, he is very down-to-earth, originally from a working-clbad city, knows his roots. He is not a big Charlie.