Transfer Centre

Claude Puel urges Harry Maguire to ignore Manchester United interest

By Martin Crummy | 24 July 2018

Leicester City manager Claude Puel insists that rumoured Manchester United target Harry Maguire remains a vital part of his side's plans this season.

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has admitted that it is vital for the club to hold on to centre-back Harry Maguire this summer amid interest from Manchester United.

The defender has become a £50m target for the Old Trafford management after starring in England's run to the semi-finals at the World Cup in Russia recently.

United boss Jose Mourinho is understood to have made strengthening his defensive options one of his main priorities during the current transfer window and sees Maguire as an ideal option to improve his backline.

However, Puel talked up the importance of keeping the 25-year-old ahead of the 2018-19 season.

"It is important for Maguire to continue for Leicester. 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," Puel is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"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."

The Foxes are thought to be preparing an improved contract for Maguire to bring his weekly salary to £75,000 per week.