Manchester United rekindle interest in Premier League defender

Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire is back on Manchester United’s radar, claims ESPN.

United have conceded more goals in this Premier League campaign than in any previous season and are desperate to bolster their defensive options in the summer.

Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly could both leave United at the end of the season and a world-class centre-back is at the top of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist.

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane and Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly have already been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent months.

However, after missing out on a top four finish United are unlikely to be able to attract players of that calibre this summer.

United have instead opted to revive their interest in Maguire, who Jose Mourinho wanted to sign 12 months ago.

The Red Devils baulked at Leicester’s £75m asking price for the England international last summer but now appear to accept they need to spend big to improve their woeful defence.

Maguire has only missed seven league matches since the beginning of last season and one of the big problems United have faced in recent years is that they have never had a fit pair of centre-backs available on a consistent basis.

Despite his hulking frame, the 26-year-old has demonstrated he is capable of playing out from the back, illustrated by an average of 0.9 dribbles completed per league game since August 2017. He has also played a direct hand in nine league goals in that time.