Manchester United are finding it difficult to negotiate with Tottenham for Alderweireld. The Red Devils are now planning a move for English defender, Harry Maguire.
Jose Mourinho is keen to improve every position in his squad this summer. The Portuguese boss has already made three signings.
But none of them has been an upgrade to an existing player. Manchester United have found it hard to make such signings due to the World Cup going on in Russia.
Mourinho’s main area of concern is centre-back. Eric Bailly is likely to cement his position in the defence next season.
Smalling and Jones haven’t impressed the United gaffer since his arrival while Lindelof is yet to adjust to English football.
Manchester United had identified Toby Alderweireld for this summer. But Tottenham’s £75 million valuation is too high for the Red Devils. Talks are set to resume as the Belgian returns from Russia in the coming days.
According to reports, Jose Mourinho is lining up a move for Leicester City’s Harry Maguire. Manchester United are ready to pay as high as £50 million, three times more than what the Foxes spent last summer.
Is Maguire the man for Mourinho?
The 25-year old has had a pretty eventful 12 months. Born in Sheffield, he earned his first professional contract with home side, Sheffield United.
In 2014, he got his first taste of the Premier League when he joined Hull City. But it didn’t last long as the Tigers were relegated where he made only 3 appearances.
Maguire put in an impressive performance in the Championship and helped Hull City gain promotion via play-offs.
Once again, they failed to survive but the defender caught the eyes of many. England’s manager, Gareth Southgate called him up and in no time sealed his spot in the starting XI.
England had one of their best World Cup run this summer. Though Harry Kane scored most goals, it was Maguire that played a key role for the Three Lions in the defence. The 25-year old arrival at Old Trafford will push Jones or Smalling to the bench, similar to the national side.
Next: Not signing a goalkeeper makes Liverpool look careless
Time is the essence for Manchester United as the PL transfer window closes earlier this time. In September 2017, Premier League clubs agreed to close the transfer window on 9th August, before the start of 18/19 season.