According to reports in The Sun, Manchester United have been told they must pay £50m if they want to prise 6ft 4in Harry Maguire away from Leicester City this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun says that the Red Devils are among a number of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal and Tottenham – interested in snapping up the England international at the end of the season, but the Foxes won’t sell him on the cheap.
The 25-year-old centre-back has been one of the club’s standout performers this term following a move from Hull City last summer, establishing himself in the starting XI under Claude Puel as well as breaking into the Three Lions squad under Gareth Southgate.
The Sun adds that Jose Mourinho could be ready to offer Chris Smalling, whom United fans have said they want to leave this summer on Twitter, in part of any deal for Maguire in order to try and reduce the asking price, as he would likely be the one that makes way for any new central defender that arrives at Old Trafford this summer.
How well has Maguire done this season?
He has been brilliant.
The 25-year-old has scored two goals and provided a further three assists in 33 Premier League appearances for Leicester, while he has shown just how influential he can be from a defensive point of view.
According to WhoScored.com, he has won 51 tackles in those top flight outings this term, while he has also made 37 interceptions, 154 clearances and 33 blocks.
Maguire is also decent in possession and loves to bring the ball out from the back, successfully completing 45 of the 53 dribbles he has attempted.
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Would he be a good signing for United?
He certainly looks as though he would be, yes.
The 25-year-old has the qualities as a defender and on the ball to make it at the highest level, while his mentality and leadership qualities are two more impressive traits he possesses.
He would probably be an upgrade on the likes of Smalling and Phil Jones at Old Trafford, but the fans would probably expect a more high-profile centre-back to arrive alongside him this summer, too.
Is he really worth £50m?
In this day and age and with four years remaining on his contract he probably is, and United will know that they will have to pay the big bucks to sign a promising English talent.
Whether they are willing to do that remains to be seen.
