Manchester United line up £35 million move for former Sheffield United star - reports

The Leicester City and England defender is being sought by the Premier League giants to strengthen their centre back positions and a report in the Sunday People claims that United are prepared to pay £35 million for the Sheffield-born ex-Blade.

Maguire moved to the Foxes from relegated Hull City for around half that amount less than a year ago, and has become one of the most consistent central defenders in the English top flight.

The 25 year-old's form also impressed England manager Gareth Southgate and Maguire will almost certainly be in the squad for this summer's World Cup in Russia. Now having taken his place in the international, Maguire could be usurping Chris Smalling at club level too, with Mourinho reportedly aiming to bring the Sheffield United Academy product to Old Trafford.

The report claims that Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain are also targets but Maguire would be cheaper and easier to sign.

Maguire began his career at Sheffield United coming through the ranks before commanding a regular place in the centre of defence in the 2011/12 season. Three years later, Hull City paid £2.5 million for the defender who initially struggled to make a breakthrough with the Tigers.

He had a short spell on loan at Wigan but on his return to the KCON soon established himself as a key figure in the Tigers defence.

His performances there led Leicester to pay an initial £12 million which would rise to £17 million.