Manchester United still Targeting Harry Maguire

Jose Mourinho’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the England international, but the Foxes manager believes he should stay at the club

Reported Manchester United target Harry Maguire should stay at Leicester City to continue his development, Claude Puel has said.

Maguire was relegated from the Premier League with Hull City a year ago but has since become one of the division’s most in-demand defenders.

United have been linked with the centre-back, who starred for England in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup, although Leicester are reportedly trying to convince him to sign a new contract.

And Puel, who also hopes to keep Denmark’s World Cup star Kasper Schmeichel, insists staying at King Power Stadium is the right move for 25-year-old Maguire.

“It is important for Maguire to continue for Leicester,” said Puel.

“It is a good feeling. If our players are interesting a lot of clubs it is because we are recruiting well and doing good work. It is important we continue this.

“When we welcome players back from the World Cup, I hope we can give them the opportunity to continue advancing their ambitions and perform in the Premier League.”

Maguire’s former Leicester team-mate Riyad Mahrez, though, has suggested the defender should follow him through the exit door.

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“Of course he deserves to play higher but Leicester is a good club as well, so it is him that will have to decide,” said Mahrez, who joined Premier League champions Manchester City this month for a £60 million ($78m) fee.

While Maguire and Schmeichel have been tipped to leave Leicester, the club have signed former Norwich City defender Louis Ramsay.

The 20-year-old confirmed the move in a social media post.

Manchester United are currently in Los Angeles at a UCLA training base for their pre-season tour of America.

And former Red Devils striker Ibrahimovic, who is enjoying life at LA Galaxy, popped in to see his old team-mates.

United haven’t had an ideal transfer window this summer, with Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant heading to Old Trafford.

Mourinho revealed this week that he wants two more signings, however, the Special One isn’t confident that United chiefs will meet his demands.

However, despite leaving United in March, Ibrahimovic is still exciting Red Devils fans, claiming supporters must be ready as he’s found out a secret during a chat with Mourinho.

Speaking on United’s official Instagram story, the 36-year-old said: “Be ready for this season because something special will happen. “The boss has something going on. We keep that a secret and enjoy.

“Enjoy for the season, I wish you all the best. Ciao.”  Mourinho is keen to complete two more deals this summer, with the United boss eyeing a new centre-back and a winger.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, Leicester star Harry Maguire and Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng top Mourinho’s defensive wishlist.

It’s claimed that Croatia’s World Cup star Ante Rebic is now Mourinho’s top winger target after United ended their interest in Chelsea’s Willian and Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic.

Rebic, 24, had is a more economic option as the attacker is ready to make a step up from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale has also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

However, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is said to be more interested in the Wales international than Mourinho.

Woodward knows Bale would be ideal for United both on and off the pitch in terms of commercial value.

United kick off their Premier League season on August 10, when Mourinho’s men host Leicester at Old Trafford (8pm kick-off).

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