Premier League leaders Manchester City are ready to go head to head against their city rivals Manchester United as they battle it out for the services of Harry Maguire in the summer.
The Leicester City defender has been really impressive following his £17million move from Hull City last summer. His remarkable performances have helped his side Leicester City maintain their mid-table standing while also helping him break into Gareth Southgate’s England team.
The 24-year-old is highly expected to leave the club in the summer, despite being bound to a contract with Leicester City until 2022, with Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly interested.
Manchester City, in particular, could be keen to splurge the cash on another central defender next season, despite the coup of Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte. Head coach Pep Guardiola has time and time again, shown his eagerness to strengthen City’s defensive department, having already splashed almost €250m on defensive signings this season.
Considering the fact that Vincent Kompany is already in the final phase of his career, with the Belgian often struggling with fitness, the Sky Blues could be forced into going big on Harry Maguire in the upcoming summer transfer window.
They have conceded the second least number of goals in the Premier League this season, with only Manchester United bettering their tally of just 20 goals conceded. However, that being said, the team has four recognized centre-backs available in their ranks, with Vincent Kompany, as mentioned earlier often struggling with lack of fitness.
Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi has been the only defensive mainstay for the Sky Blues this season and although the league leaders have been massively boosted by the addition of Aymeric Laporte, they could still be forced into the signing of Harry Maguire this summer.
Primarily known for his dogged defending and no-nonsense style of play, the Leicester City defender has showcased his ability in the Premier League time and time again. Although he may not be as fluent in possession as compared to the likes of John Stones or Aymeric Laporte, it’s his tendency to score goals, which makes him a unique component in the defensive department. The former Hull City defender has already notched up two goals and three assists for the Foxes this season.
For an attacking team like Manchester City, the offensive contributions of Harry Maguire could definitely prove to be a boon for the club. The English international is currently valued at around £50m, by the Foxes, which seems to be the bare minimum which Pep needs to splash to sign a defender.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored