Leicester City and Manchester United have agreed a reported £80million deal for the transfer of defender Harry Maguire, Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.
Maguire, 26, has been the subject of transfer speculation since the 2018-19 campaign concluded, with United and Manchester City said to have been leading the race.
But with City reportedly ruling themselves out a while ago, United have had a clean run and look to have finally got their man despite Leicester holding out for a massive fee which is expected to see Maguire become the world’s most expensive defender.
Speaking after Leicester’s 2-1 friendly win over Atalanta, Rodgers confirmed an agreement has been reached between the clubs following negotiations.
Rodgers told Sky Sports: “Until it goes through – there’s obviously been communications between the clubs – but there’s still a bit to go in terms of medical and personal terms.
“It is what it is. He’s a special player, not one we want to leave, but we’ll see over the course of the weekend if there’s anything more. At this point the clubs have agreed [a fee].”
78% – Harry Maguire won 78% of his aerial duels in the 2018-19 Premier League season; a better success rate than any of the 205 other players to be involved in 50+ aerials in the competition, just ahead of Virgil van Dijk (75%). Slab. pic.twitter.com/SK0OVlUHU6
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 2, 2019
Maguire joined Leicester from Hull City two years ago for a deal said to be worth £17m, meaning the club stand to make a profit of around £63m on the centre-back.
During his time at Leicester, Maguire has established himself as a regular in the England starting XI and emerged as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs, though Rodgers accepts the Foxes have got themselves a great deal.
“It’s an incredible piece of business,” he added. “If you look at market over the last few years, it changes.
“He’s a top-class player, a good man. This is a guy who knows there’s been interest, he’s been super professional, been with his team-mates throughout.
“He’s been a good guy. Individuals have their own goals and obviously all players, including Harry, have a valuation.”
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