Leicester want more of Maguire transfer fee up front – as they don’t think Man Utd will qualify for CL
LEICESTER are demanding Manchester United make a bigger down payment on Harry Maguire - because they have doubts whether the club can do well enough to trigger their proposed bonus payments.
United are hoping to finally complete a deal for the England defender this week and are likely to have to come up with a package worth £80million.
They had offered £72m with extra bonuses paid depending on what trophies they win and also securing Champions League football.
But according to the , the Foxes are not confident United can finish in the top four this season so they are looking for more money up front.
Their fears are based on the fact United have only managed to qualify for the Champions League in three of the past six seasons.
And with Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham all looking stronger, Leicester believe they have to err on the side of caution when it comes to agreeing a bonus structure.
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Maguire played for Leicester in their friendly against Stoke yesterday, in what looks probable to be his final game in the blue shirt.
United are expected to come in with a new offer early next week - and it is believed the two clubs are not far away from settling their differences.
But the Foxes are determined to ensure they make United pay more money for Maguire than Liverpool spent on Virgil van Dijk, when they paid £70m of a £75m fee up front.
The 26-year-old has made it clear to his bosses that he would like the chance to make the move to Old Trafford, having shaken hands on that agreement with late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha last summer.
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But he has continued to give maximum effort for Leicester over the course of the pre-season and not caused any problems behind the scenes agitating for a move.
The hope is he can finally get his wish to join United this week, leaving Leicester enough time to find a replacement before the transfer window closes on August 8.
Brighton defender Lewis Dunk is the likely target, with a fee in excess of £40m likely to be enough to clinch his signature.