Reports: Manchester United to hijack Manchester City's move for $69m star

What's the story?

Manchester United are all set to steal another Manchester City target, with Leicester's Harry Maguire now on their radar for a summer move, according to a report in British news outlet, The Daily Mirror, as well as The Daily Star. Despite the arrival of Aymeric Laporte in the January transfer window, Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen on defensive reinforcements but with Jose Mourinho now starting yet another tug-of-war, like for Alexis Sanchez, the Sky Blues may be priced out of a move. Leicester expect Maguire's age and the battle for his signature to meet their $69 million (£50 million) asking price.

In case you didn't know...

The English centre-back came through the ranks at Sheffield United, making a man-of-the-match debut for the senior side at the age of 18 in 2011. After 4 impressive seasons with the club, he left for Hull City in 2014, with the Tigers paying £2.5 million for his services.Maguire's performances in the 2016/17 Premier League season caught the eye, with Leicester City then sealing a £17 million deal for the centre-back ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The heart of the matter

Maguire has a long-term contract with the Foxes, initially signing on for five years, designed to keep him at the club until 2022. The 24-year-old's rise has continued apace, leading to a call-up by Gareth Southgate for the England National Team.

Manchester City's interest existed in January as well, but given the club's behaviour with the Riyad Mahrez sage, Leicester are reportedly not very willing to sell the defender to the Sky Blues. Thus, Manchester United are ready to swoop in, with Jose Mourinho's desire for defensive reinforcements backing the move.

According to the report in the Daily Star, the Red Devils consider Maguire a replacement to either Chris Smalling or Marcos Rojo. Were Maguire to accept the prospect of UEFA Champions League football, the Foxes have earmarked Brighton's Lewis Dunk as a replacement.

Rumour Reliability

5/10

Manchester City's interest in Harry Maguire was reported on in January, and the Daily Mirror and Daily Star have both been fairly accurate with British transfers of late. However, the price in question comes with a significant premium for a player that makes this rumour seem rather unlikely.

Video:

Author's Take

Harry Maguire is approaching his peak years, and as a centre-back with a penchant for attacking football, he seems more in line with a player of Guardiola's ilk rather than Mourinho's. However, Manchester United have the financial wherewithal to even blow City out of the water, like they did for Alexis Sanchez - so this could very well happen.