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Report: Leicester determined to keep hold of Maguire amid United interest

Dan Mullan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Leicester City are reportedly determined to keep Harry Maguire for the 2018-19 season despite growing reports of Manchester United's interest in the defender.

In an effort to counter United's advances, Leicester would like to tie Maguire down to a longer and more lucrative contract, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

The Sheffield United product was a breakout star for England at the World Cup, and has played every league minute for Leicester since his £17-million transfer from Hull City last summer. United are apparently considering a £65-million approach for Maguire.

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Jose Mourinho wants to add a central defender to his ranks before his club's season opener against Leicester on August 10. The Red Devils' first three friendlies in preparation for the new campaign have seen Eric Bailly partnered with Chris Smalling in the middle of the backline. Daley Blind has been sold to his former club Ajax, while Phil Jones habitually deals with niggling fitness concerns. Academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe has also featured in United's friendlies after spending the second half of last term at Aston Villa.

If Manchester United succeed in forcing Leicester to sell Maguire, it would break up the potentially promising combination of Maguire and Jonny Evans at center-half for Claude Puel's Foxes.

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