Leicester boss determined to keep Maguire amid Manchester United interest

Leicester manager Claude Puel hopes Harry Maguire stays at the club this summer despite interest from Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho wants to sign a new centre-back for the third summer in a row and has identified Maguire as a top transfer target.

Maguire was a revelation for England at the 2018 World Cup and his reputation has soared following a string of hugely impressive performances in Russia.

United are also interested in Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld and Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng but believe Maguire is the most obtainable.

Mourinho has reportedly been told he must sell before bankrolling a move for Maguire, who is expected to cost in excess of £65m.

Leicester are determined to keep the 25-year-old at the King Power Stadium and are reportedly planning a bumper new deal for the hulking defender.

The Foxes have already lost Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City this summer and Puel is keen to ensure Maguire doesn’t follow his former team-mate to Manchester.

“It is important for Maguire to continue for Leicester,” Puel told Sky Sports. “It is a good feeling. If our players are interesting a lot of clubs it is because we are recruiting well and doing good work.

“It is important we continue this. When we welcome players back from the World Cup, I hope we can give them the opportunity to continue advancing their ambitions and perform in the Premier League.”

Despite Maguire’s towering frame, the England international is remarkably composed on the ball and capable of playing out from the back.

In fact, Maguire has completed more dribbles than any other defender in the last two Premier League campaigns (80).