Harry Maguire strengthens transfer to Manchester United as Leicester identifies Ben Gibson as potential replacement

Leicester could revive his interest in Ben Gibson if he lost Harry Maguire to Manchester United, according to Mirror Football.

The 2016 Premier League champions have rejected United's investigation and told them that Maguire is not for sale after his brilliant World Cup.

But the Reds' boss, Jose Mourinho, is desperate.

This is a big puzzle for the Foxes before the start of the new season – with their opening match at Old Trafford on August 10th.

Leicester remains firm and his Thai owners are under no

But Foxes have alternatives to Maguire, 25, who they bought for a £ 17m market from Hull last June.

Gibson's Middlesbrough plug, also 25, that Boro refused to sell to Leicester last summer. The Foxes offered £ 12-13m for the British hope Gibson but Boro, who had just been relegated and decided to rebound, snubbed them.

Yet 12 months later, the latest boss Tony Pulis is looking to raise funds to reinvest after Boro missed the play-off promotion. 19659002] The Northeast Club, owned by Gibson's uncle, Steve, could be tempted to do business at a similar price

It would leave Leicester a huge profit on Maguire's when it became pressurized to cash it

. But for the moment, Leicester is still trying to convince the defender to sign an improved new contract after playing all matches while England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup

Maguire stays four years at King Power Stadium

But United has sold Daley Blind and want another central defender to compete with Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo

Maguire is known to be ambitious and will be tempted by a lucrative move into a club to challenge the honors.

Top clubs like United and Manchester City were already following him before City boss Pep Guardiola even congratulated Maguire on the pitch after shining in a League Cup match between the two clubs last season.