Man Utd target Harry Maguire was not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first choice
MANCHESTER UNITED may have submitted a £70m bid for Leicester's Harry Maguire but he was originally not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top target.
Posted Wednesday, July 03, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in desperate need of a new centre-back this summer following the club's terrible defensive record last season - their worst top flight campaign since 1978-79.
Reports today claim United submitted a £70m bid for Maguire but that is still set to fall short of the Foxes' valuation.
However, according to the Evening Standard Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly had been Solskjaer's priority target until recently.
The Senegal international was linked with a move to Old Trafford during Jose Mourinho's tenure.
But the Serie A side value him at more than the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk that has put off United.
The 28-year-old is rated as one of the best centre-backs in the world and is under contract with Napoli until 2023.
But Solskjaer has now turned his attention to Maguire as he looks to add a third summer signing follow Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's arrivals.
However, Leicester do not want to sell Maguire and are under no financial pressure to let the 26-year-old leave the King Power Stadium.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now weighing up a move for Harry Maguire (Pic: GETTY)
Kalidou Koulibaly had been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's No. 1 target (Pic: GETTY)
Manchester City are also reportedly interested in the former Sheffield United and Hull player, but United have made their move with an offer in the region of £70m.
Maguire is currently on holiday having been given an extended break following his part in England's Nations League campaign in Portugal.
And, while not the type to agitate for a move, the centre-back has made Leicester aware he is open to exploring other opportunities.
And ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has backed United to break the bank for the England international.
Man Utd have submitted an offer of £70m for Harry Maguire (Pic: GETTY)
"If I'm Leicester, I'm not letting him go anywhere," Nicol said.
"But if I'm Manchester United in particular, I'm going to sign this guy.
"Manchester United are going to have to speculate a lot on this transfer window.
"They need a lot and they need players that they can rely on."
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