Will the Englishman still move to Old Trafford?
Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have been linked with several center backs over the course of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s Yerry Mina was also close to joining, but the move was called off. United are also reportedly interested in Jerome Boateng and Harry Maguire.
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After strengthening his squad with the signings of Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant, the Portuguese boss is eager to complete at least one more deal before the deadline on August 9th.
According to Belgian outlet HLN, Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, who starred for Belgium in their run to the World Cup semifinals, is desperate to complete a €65 million move to Old Trafford.
And it looks like Mourinho might not stop with Alderweireld. If reports at Sky Sports are to be believed, the Red Devils will also make a bid for Maguire, in case Tottenham decide to play hardball.
United will probably also have to break the world record fee for a defender, set by Liverpool in January when they signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75 million.
In spite of the Maguire’s heroics at the World Cup for England, many fans believe that Mourinho will be overpaying for his man, especially since Alderweireld is set to cost less.
The 25 year old Englishman, who is a graduate of Sheffield United’s academy, came under the spotlight for his performances at Hull City in the Premier League, but unfortunately couldn’t prevent them from being relegated.
His performances did earn him a £12 million move to Leicester though.
His market value only increased last season, after he played every single minute of the Foxes’ 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
At the World Cup this year, he provided an assist and scored his first senior goal for England in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Sweden.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, their defense could use some improvements. Eric Bailly remains their only world class option at the back, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo still unconvincing.
A string of disappointing performances in pre-season has also highlighted their need for defensive reinforcements.
Bailly was also substituted five minutes into the second half of the recent friendly against Bayern, and injury concerns might be another reason for Mourinho’s sudden interest in Maguire.