Manchester City pull out of race to sign Leicester defender Maguire

Manchester City are no longer interested in signing Harry Maguire after being priced out of a move for the Leicester defender this summer, claims The Daily Mail.

City had earmarked Maguire as a top transfer target, as Pep Guardiola sets to work on finding a replacement for his outgoing captain Vincent Kompany.

The England international has emerged as one of the best defenders outside the top-six clubs in the Premier League and is also on the radar of City’s neighbourhood rivals Manchester United.

However, United have been given a clear run at signing the 26-year-old this summer with Leicester now demanding £90m for the hulking centre-back.

City are not prepared to make Maguire the most expensive defender of all-time when he is not even guarenteed to be first choice next season, but United are still thought to be keen.

Former United boss Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Maguire from Leicester last summer but the club refused to match his £65m valuation and now face the prospect of paying even more 12 months on.

Of players that contested at least 30 aerial duels in the Premier League last season, Maguire had the best success rate (77.6%).