Manchester United have received a major boost in pursuit of Harry Maguire, with Leicester City set to sign Filip Benkovic and Caglar Soyuncu
According to a report by Daily Mail, Manchester United could have been handed a major boost in pursuit of Harry Maguire. Leicester City are closing in on the signings of centre-back duo Filip Benkovic and Caglar Soyuncu, although they still remain reluctant to part ways with the English international.
Maguire has been a hot property in the summer transfer window after a solid campaign with Leicester City in the Premier League that was followed by some stunning performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Over the last month or so, Manchester United have been heavily linked with the English international, as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the 2018-19 season. A centre-back has been a priority for Jose Mourinho, who is eager to add some solidity to his defensive unit.
In Maguire, Manchester United will have a solid defender, who will provide added dynamism with his aerial prowess as well as abilities on the ball. While the 25-year-old is a viable long-term target, the Red Devils’ pursuit of the player has been complicated.
Leicester have been unwilling to part ways with the English international, who won their Player of the Year award last season. The Foxes are also ready to offer him a new £75,000-a-week contract to thwart the advances of Manchester United.
But, Leicester are on the verge of signing two new centre-backs in Filip Benkovic and Caglar Soyuncu for £35.5 million. The addition of the duo means Claude Puel will have six centre-backs at his disposal, which could give Manchester United the impetus to persuade the Foxes to part ways with Maguire ahead of the August 9 deadline.
In all likelihood, the Red Devils will still face an uphill battle to sign Maguire, with not long to go to come to an agreement with Leicester. Toby Alderweireld also remains a target for Manchester United, who now certainly face a race against time to secure the services of a centre-back this summer.
This looks like a transfer saga that could stretch right until the final moments of the transfer window. It remains to be seen if Manchester United finally succeed in landing a centre-back, be it in the form of Maguire or Alderweireld.