According to reports in The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur have been told that they will have to pay at least £50m if they want to sign in-demand Leicester City defender Harry Maguire this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun says that Spurs – along with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United – are all interested in prising the highly-rated 6ft 4in centre-back away from the Foxes at the end of the season, but the east Midlands outfit aren’t willing to sell him on the cheap.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a first-choice starter in the backline for Claude Puel’s side and has also broken into the England team, and is considered to be one of the best in his position in the top flight.
The report adds that Tottenham manager sees the former Hull City man as a potential replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who is increasingly looking like he will be on his way out this summer.
How good has Maguire been this season?
He has been brilliant.
Leicester only signed him in a £17m deal last summer but he has already shown just how good he is with his displays this term.
As well scoring two goals and providing a further three assists in 33 Premier League appearances, he has shown just how influential he can be from a defensive point of view.
According to WhoScored.com, he has won 51 tackles in those top flight outings this term, while he has also made 37 interceptions, 154 clearances and 33 blocks.
Maguire is also comfortable in possession and loves to bring the ball out from the back, successfully completing 45 of the 53 dribbles he has attempted.
Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
He certainly could be, yes.
The 25-year-old has shown that he is committed, has leadership qualities and is brilliant both defensively and at bringing the ball out from the back – something that would mean that he would fit into Tottenham’s style of play.
It isn’t going to be easy to replace a player of Alderweireld’s quality if the Belgian does leave this summer, but Maguire can go some way to doing exactly that.
Would they pay £50m for him?
This could be the sticking point.
While Tottenham will want to improve their squad they know they will have to pay a premium for Maguire because he is English, and they may choose to look elsewhere instead given they already have Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez in their ranks.
