ZGlmZnVzaW9uLXY2LWZhbm91dC5yYWNpbmdwb3N0LmNvbQ==NDQzdHJ1ZQ==U29jY2VyYmFzZVVzZXI=YVc4N1Z4NDFiNGgybTc4UTRpT1ZvZmhxM0RENHphQVM=

United reach agreement with Foxes over Maguire

Manchester United are 5-4 with Betway to finish in the Premier League's top four this season after reaching an agreement with Leicester City for defender Harry Maguire.

The England international is set to join the Red Devils, who are a best-priced 40-1 for the title, for £80 million, which will be a world-record fee for a defender.

Maguire will become United's third acquisition this window after they signed Daniel James from Swansea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and he plugs a notably weak area of the team.

United's league goals-conceded tally of 54 was their worst since 1978-79 and in Maguire they have added a centre-back with international experience and proven Premier League pedigree.

He edged all four of Manchester United's existing centre-backs - Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly - in terms of average number of duels won, clearances made and passes completed in the Premier League last season.

With United's new recruitment approach evidently geared towards bringing in younger homegrown talent, having a player such as Maguire to lead at the back will be crucial.

Many expect United to do battle with Chelsea and Arsenal for what will likely be the final Champions League spot next term.

While there are other areas which still need attending to, United supporters can at least take solace in the fact they now have a top-class centre back marshalling their rearguard.

Match in Focus

19:45 TODAY

Bradford v Notts Co

Home WinDrawAway Win
Expert verdict
.

Teams

Agonising over Aberdeen?
Yearning for Yeovil? Our database is crammed with every football club you could possibly wish for

Players

A plethora of players ranging from Adebayor to Zamora. All you need to know to find out who is the best bet to score next

Competitions

Whether it's the Johnstone's Paint Trophy or the Champions League, Soccerbase will ensure you don't experience a big cup upset

Referees

Card-happy control freak?
Astute arbiter? Make the right decision on any referee with the help of our specialist pages

Managers

From Allardyce to Zola, our massive manager database, with histories and win ratios, is sure to get your vote of confidence