Manchester United agree world-record deal for new defender

Manchester United have agreed a £80m deal with Leicester to make Harry Maguire the most expensive defender of all-time, claims The Sun.

Maguire, who is keen to leave Leicester, will reportedly undergo his medical with United on Monday before putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have reportedly agreed an initial £60m deal with Leicester with a further £20m owed in performance related add-ons.

United balked at Leicester’s £65m asking price 12 months ago but finally accept they need to go big in the market if they want a top class centre-back.

Their initial £70m proposal was rejected by the Foxes earlier in the summer but the Red Devils have finally agreed a deal to make Maguire the most expensive ever defender.

Liverpool broke the record when they signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75m at the start of 2017 and United will hope Maguire can make a similar impact for them.

Manchester City were also keen on Maguire’s services but Pep Guardiola’s side were not willing to match Leicester’s valuation.

Of players that contested at least 30 aerial duels in the Premier League last season, Maguire had the best success rate (77.6%).