Harry Maguire did not take part in Leicester City training today amid intense speculation linking the England defender with a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils have made Maguire their top target this summer and are ready to make the 26-year-old the most expensive defender in history with a £80million move.
Maguire informed Leicester chiefs earlier in the month that he wanted to leave the King Power Stadium, with the Foxes now trying to get the best deal possible.
Ed Woodward remains in talks with Leicester and Maguire missing training today will naturally raise suspicions that he is set to become United’s third summer signing.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Leicester have maintained that no deal has been struck, with Maguire only missing training due to illness.
Maguire enjoyed his first taste of Premier League football at Hull City before joining his current club Leicester two years ago for a fee of £17m.
His stock has continued to rise at the King Power and, over the past 18 months, Maguire has developed into one of England’s best defenders and a key member of the national team.
Manchester United have identified Maguire as their top target as they look to bolster a defence which shipped 54 goals in the Premier League last term.
Leicester are refusing to sell Maguire on the cheap but Woodward appears ready to break the transfer record for a defender in order to secure the deal.
Maguire played 90 minutes of Leicester’s pre-season friendly against Stoke City over the weekend and Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has been impressed by his mentality.
‘He’s been brilliant since the first day of pre-season,’ Rodgers said. ‘There’s a lot of speculation around Harry but he’s just got on with it.
‘Like I’ve always said, we’re all pretty relaxed with it. We’re looking to prepare the whole team and squad and Harry’s a part of that.
‘He’s been excellent for us and he’s working very hard.’
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, appears to be closing in on a move to Italy after being left out of the club’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Kristiansund.
MORE: Arsenal fans ‘in for a treat’ when they complete Nicolas Pepe transfer, claims Jose Fonte
