Claude Puel has joked about Manchester United’s interest in Leicester City defender Harry Maguire.

Leicester are unwilling to let go of the 25-year-old English defender but Jose Mourinho wants another central defender in the United side.

The Foxes have slapped a £65m price tag on the Englishman but other reports claim that United would have to pay around £75m for the defender.

Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Independent), Puel gave an update on Maguire’s situation:

“I think perhaps United wanted to make trouble before our game! It’s not the thing to try to make trouble but I think he’s a better player for us.

“It’s our intent to keep him and just a few days before the start of the season it would not be a good thing for the squad, for confidence and for Leicester football club.”

United have been linked with Yerry Mina of Barcelona as well. And reading Puel’s statement, it seems Leicester will do everything they can to keep hold of the World Cup star.

Maguire is someone who could do a great job for us at the back but his price has been the sticky point with regards to negotiations. The Englishman is quality but spending that big on a defender with one good season might be a risk.

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Mourinho has to get his defender from another club and Mina would be a cheaper option than Maguire too.