Leicester City are reportedly eyeing-up a ‘homecoming’ loan move for Harry Maguire next season.
Maguire – who moved to the King Power Stadium from Hull City for £17m in 2017 – was a huge hit for the Foxes, as he racked up 76 appearances over two seasons and developed into a talisman at the heart of their defence.
He was sold to Manchester United for £80m in 2019 which made him the world’s most expensive defender.
However, despite initially impressing at United and being appointed as club captain, Maguire has struggled for game time under Erik ten Hag, making just five Premier League starts this season.
The 30-year-old – who made Leicester a £63m profit when he left – is likely to move on from Old Trafford in the summer and, according to The Sun, the Foxes are keen to re-sign him on a loan deal.
Leicester City are eyeing up a loan move for out-of-favour Man United defender Harry Maguire
Maguire spent two years with the Foxes, before joining United for a world record £80m in 2019
The report states the defender left the East Midlands on good terms four years ago, with Maguire departing with the club’s blessing, while he remains popular with supporters.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers had viewed the 54-capped England international as the man to help sort out their leaky defence, which has conceded 49 goals in 28 Premier League games this season – the third worst tally in the top flight and a major factor in their dismal position in the bottom three.
However, the dismissal of Rodgers on Sunday afternoon, in the wake of Saturday’s loss at Crystal Palace, may change things.
Maguire also holds fond memories from his time with Leicester but he has been linked with top clubs in England and across Europe.
Rodgers had reportedly looked at other defensive targets like Odilon Kossounou at Bayer Leverkusen but a move for Maguire would be his priority.
The defender’s contract expires in the summer of 2025 which means a loan deal would work for all parties, but United are likely to try and get any club to cover his full salary to ease the financial hit they take – which could pose a problem for Leicester
Maguire will be desperate for regular game time ahead of Euro 2024 next summer as he remains a key part of Gareth Southgate’s side despite his lack of action this season.
In fact, he broke into the Three Lions team while he was at Leicester and played two full games against Italy and Ukraine during the international break last week.
The 30-year-old will be keen for regular action next season ahead of Euro 2024 next summer as he remains an important part of the England team under Gareth Southgate
Maguire has been heavily criticised over the past few years but he recently defended the contribution he has made this campaign.
He said: ‘Obviously this season, I haven’t played as much as I’d like but, for my club, I feel like my form’s been good this year.
‘I know people obviously look at me not playing but when I’ve played I think in my last eight or nine starts for Manchester United we have won.
‘I can’t remember losing a game for Manchester United, it must be the third week of the season. So my influence is still there.’
source: dailymail.co.uk
