What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission

The Leicester defender has been heavily linked to Manchester United throughout the summer and the Red Devils are keen to wrap up a deal forthe centre-back with the transfer window closing next Thursday at 5pm.

United are thought to have had a £70million bid rejected for Maguire earlier this month with Leicester holding out for a world-record fee for a defender to surpass the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk 18 months ago.

Maguire had sit-down talks with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers earlier today to discuss his future.

And it was decided between the pair that Maguire will not be in the Leicester squad to face Atalanta in a pre-season friendly at the King Power Stadium on Friday (7.30pm).

According to reports, the duo felt it best Maguire is not involved because of concerns over his state of mind.

Now, Sky Sports report that the England defender has made it clear he wants to move to United.

Their report says United will pay up to £80m but that the Foxes want £85m to sell their prized asset.

Leicester are unwilling to accept less than that amount even though Maguire wants to leave.

What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission (Image: GETTY)

What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission (Image: GETTY)

What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission (Image: GETTY)

Sky Sports say that Maguire will remain professional, with Rodgers having publicly praised his attitude, but is ‘completely frustrated’ about the situation.

Previous reports have claimed he had an agreement in place with the Leicester hierarchy that he would be allowed to leave the club for a fair fee after United had considered a deal for the 26-year-old last summer.

Sky Sports transfer reporter Rob Dorsett claims that if United table an £80m bid, Leicester may find it difficult to reject.

He told The Transfer Show: "Leicester are really relaxed about this, despite the fact Harry Maguire has made it clear to them he wants to leave.

"They've got him on a four-year contract and Brendan Rodgers sees him as integral to the squad.

What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission (Image: GETTY)

What Man Utd transfer target Harry Maguire has told Leicester after pre-season omission (Image: GETTY)

"But they would be prepared to let him go if this extraordinary amount [£80m] comes in. We know there are discussions going on between Manchester United and Leicester.

"If that offer is slapped on the table, it's difficult for Leicester to turn it down, especially when they know the player wants to leave.

"I've always been told throughout this process that £80m was the magic figure for Leicester to do business.

"It seems as though United are prepared to go there so this could happen quite quickly."