Report: Leicester's Maguire set for big payday after United interest

Leicester City are hopeful of signing star defender and onetime Manchester United target Harry Maguire to a bumper contract worth £75,000 a week, according to The Telegraph's John Percy.

Talks over a new deal apparently began well before Maguire's strong showing with England at the World Cup. And Jose Mourinho's desperate push for the 25-year-old fell on deaf ears as United refused to pay what Leicester were asking.

Now, the Foxes are apparently prepared to make Maguire one of the club's highest earners. They showed similar gratitude last week to Jamie Vardy, handing the English striker a new four-year contract shortly after the transfer window closed.

Leicester were reportedly unwilling to cash in on Maguire so soon after losing Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City. The Algerian's departure netted the club an estimated £60 million this summer.

Despite the persistent speculation and that he'd just returned from holiday, Maguire played all 90 minutes of Friday's opening 2-1 defeat to United.

"He's got every attribute you could possibly want in a defender," manager Claude Puel told Sky Sports. "He's an exceptional footballer. Harry can go as far as he wants. With his work ethic and his attitude, I've got no doubt he's going to kick on this season."