Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 5y

Sources: United not put off by £80m Maguire price

Manchester United are continuing their pursuit of England defender Harry Maguire despite being reluctant to meet Leicester's £80 million price tag, sources have told ESPN FC.

Maguire, along with Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, is wanted by United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as part of a defensive revamp.

Manchester City are also in the hunt for Maguire, but Leicester have made it clear that it would take a huge bid to persuade them to sell one of their prized assets.

In September, Maguire signed a contract extension until 2023 after his impressive performances at the World Cup, and Leicester are under no pressure to sell.

However, sources have told ESPN FC that the 26-year-old would be open to a move to a top-six side if a fee can be agreed.

The centre-back was a target for former United manager Jose Mourinho last summer, but the club were put off by Leicester's valuation.

They have continued to monitor his situation and, although it is unlikely that they will meet Leicester's demand for £80m, Solskjaer has refused to drop his interest in the hope a compromise can be reached.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also on the wanted list if Leicester, whose midfielder James Maddison is also interesting United, refuse to budge.

United are expected to return with another bid for Wan-Bissaka after seeing their initial £35m offer rejected by Crystal Palace, who want closer to £60 million for the 21-year-old.

On Wednesday, winger Daniel James became Solskjaer's first summer signing after the 21-year-old agreed a £15m move from Swansea.

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