Harry Maguire has huge decision to make

It is no surprise at all that massive clubs are now after Harry Maguire. The Englishman was a national revelation at the World Cup. Foxes knew he was exceptional; Leicester City now face a daunting challenge to keep him.

Thursday was a day many Foxes dreaded. Sky Sports run the breaking news headline: ‘Manchester United make approach for Harry Maguire’. In the immortal words of Homer J. Simpson: ‘Doh’! Levity – in a time of, not darkness, but slight shade. Immediately, Leicester replied by stating the 25-year-old is not for sale. Per John Percy at the Telegraph.

Maguire was spectacular for Leicester last term. He even took home the Player of the Year award in his first year at King Power. With the Midlands club refusing to consider offers – it will take an incredible amount to steal him away. Some estimate it will be a record fee for a defender. Virgil van Dijk is the current holder at £75m.

Would I accept £80m for the England international – hypothetically? Yes. Feel free to shoot me down in the comment section. But that would pay the estimated training ground cost. An investment in future endeavours. Though most noteworthy is the amount recruitment would need to pay to secure a centre-back anywhere near Maguire’s calibre – maybe £50m!

Let’s be honest: the majority of professional athletes seek to better their salary and standing, reaching true potential. There is no telling if a sporting superpower like Manchester United will knock at the door twice. Loyalty in elite football does exist; yet a one-club-player is a modern rarity.

Jamie Vardy has obviously played elsewhere, though remained at the club which helped his profile rise and win the top title. When Arsenal came calling he rejected the advances in his one of a kind inimitable way. This is why Andy King is rightly lauded. I know he went on loan at Swansea: even that was poetic as a Welshman needing game-time.

Leicester’s executive team are rallying around their star defender. Offering a contract extension and pay rise in an attempt to keep him. Despite his current deal having four years remaining. Preferably another Mahrez-style stand-off will be avoided.

If Maguire decides to leave, it could affect squad morale and his performance levels – the chairman would be wise to cash in. And the BBC Sport quoted £65m offer may prove tempting to City. Either Phil Jones and Chris Smalling will apparently make way at Old Trafford.

However, I expect the World Cup semi-finalist to remain a Fox for at least one more Premier League campaign. Leicester ironically meet United in the opening game of the season: will Maguire be sporting blue or red colours?