Manchester United transfer target chooses rivals City over Red Devils!

Manchester United transfer target Harry Maguire has allegedly made his mind up over which club he wants to join this summer. Where does it leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his transfer plans?

The Leicester City centre-half, Harry Maguire, has chosen to join Manchester City in a deal which could be worth up to £80 million according to UK paper the Daily Express. It is believed also that the transfer could be completed this week.

Maguire made 32 appearances last season scoring three goals and was part of a Foxes side that kept 11 clean sheets. However, the reason his name was inscribed onto many scout reports across the country came after last summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Reaching the semi-finals with England, Maguire had a magnificent tournament. He played every single game for Gareth Southgate’s side, but more importantly, proved after a good season with Leicester, that he could handle the best attackers in the world.

Now he is prepared to fight amongst the best defenders in the Premier League for a spot in the Manchester City backline. Vincent Kompany‘s move to Anderlecht has made his job slightly easier, however, he still faces stiff competition from England teammate John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi
Aymeric Laporte and Eliaquim Mangala.

Despite this, news broke last night, via the Evening Standard, that Manchester United are still confident they can secure the signature of Maguire.

Leicester are apparently asking for near £90 million for the defender and United realise they may have to pay more than their neighbours’ City as the Premier League champions are considering making him their “most expensive player”.

What happens next?

If Maguire picks red over blue, then there is no doubt he will come straight into the starting XI. You’d imagine potential skipper Victor Lindelof will keep his place and it will be the likes of Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones who will have to fight for a spot on the bench.

If Manchester City win the race to sign Maguire, then United’s search goes on. It has been well reported since the end of the season that Solskjaer and assistant boss Mike Phelan have been keen on securing young British players, however, if Maguire becomes unavailable it will be interesting to see where they both turn next.

Of course, they will have back-up options, but will it be Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly or will they invest in their own young players such as Axel Tuanzebe, who produced a number of positive displays for Aston Villa last season.