‘Wherever he is this season he’s going to improve that team’: Danny Simpson on Harry Maguire

Former Leicester City defender Danny Simpson reckons Harry Maguire will improve any team he plays for this season.

Maguire has been the subject of interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, with both willing to pay at least £65 million.

United, however, seem to be leading the race, as they have reportedly increased their offer to £80 million, a figure that, though it is around £5 million off what Leicester want, could make the club think.

While there is no shortage of people who hold the opinion that anything in excess of £50 million is too much for “a player of Maguire’s quality and stature”, Simpson, who spent a couple years with the England international, is no doubt whatsoever.

The right-back thinks Maguire is one of the best defenders around and will immediately improve any team he plays for.

"“I’m not surprised that [Manchester] United and [Manchester] City are in for him,” Simpson told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.“For me he’s one of the best defenders.“He’s a top lad and he’s only going to get better. He’s improving, he’s a leader and he can be wherever he wants to be.“The way he brings the ball out from the back and organises everyone is quality.“He wants to go all the way to the top and I think if he does go to one of those two teams, he’ll kick on straight away and take it in his stride.”Simpson was pressed on where he thought Maguire should go – but was reluctant to choose a club for his former team-mate.“I’m a United fan so I’m a bit biased,” he replied, “but United want to get back to the top and City have lost [Vincent] Kompany.“Wherever he is this season he’s going to improve that team.”"

You have to agree with Simpson. The narrative that he’s overrated and being sold for that much only because he is English is, quite frankly, bilge of the highest order.

He has proven his level in every single game in the last two years, and that, too, in a team that isn’t necessarily known for it’s defending.

He has not only been the key presence at the back but a true leader as well – the kind of qualities you need in your centre-back. Remember when we all laughed at Liverpool for paying £75 million for Virgil Van Dijk? It is the Reds who are laughing now.

Don’t be amazed to see Maguire do bits at Old Trafford.