It seems the whole Harry Maguire to Manchester United saga has turned into a mess. The England defender missed training amid speculation that he is closing in on a big-money move to Manchester United. Sky Sports are now reporting that the centre-back has handed in a transfer request at Leicester and wants to move before the window shuts next Thursday.

United have chased Maguire all summer

It seems that Harry Maguire is Manchester United’s current top target. Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not hidden away the clubs hopes of signing the 26-year this summer. United have already seen an offer of £70million turned down for the centre-back.

However, it seems that they have not given up on signing the former Hull City star yet. The fact that the transfer window is close to shutting and he is missing training surely cannot be a coincidence. If it is then it’s unfortunate for the player.

Leicester rightfully holding tight on fee

While Manchester United may believed they can get Maguire for a certain fee, Leicester seems to have other ideas. Reportedly the Foxes are demanding a fee of around £80million for the centre-back. Some reports suggest that the Midlands club are being ‘awkward’ by preventing the deal from going through.

However, the simple truth is that Leicester City do not need to sell Maguire. The Foxes are financially secure and have mega-rich owners. They will not be bullied by the Red Devils when it comes to a fee for Maguire.

In times gone by Manchester United could move for a player from a midtable club and sign them easily. However, those days are well gone now. Apart from the fact that United are no longer a team challenging for the big trophies, every club in the league has the money to turn down big-money offers, not just super-rich Leicester.

If the Foxes do not want to sell Harry Maguire this summer, then they will not. The centre-back is reportedly unhappy with the stance, which is just unconfirmed reports. If he is unhappy and he stays at the Midlands club he will just have to get on with the job and stay professional.

Manchester United desperately need new centre-backs

Last season, Manchester United were a shambles in defence. Even the usually ever-reliable David De Gea had a poor campaign. The Red Devils had the poorest defensive record of any of the top nine teams in the Premier League last season, which is a scary statistic.

Defensive reinforcements had to be among the top of boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priorities heading into the summer. The Red Devils have already brought in highly-rated youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, despite having a large number of centre-backs, they do not have much quality. It seems that United still believe that Maguire is the player to strengthen their backline. The Red Devils are still red-hot favourites to be the centre-backs next club.

With just over a week left until the transfer window closes, this looks to be a deal that is likely to be complete. Manchester United may have to back down and pay Leicester’s asking price in order to complete what is turning into a very messy scenario.

Will Harry Maguire be a Manchester United player by the end of the summer transfer window?