Sir Alex Ferguson wants Manchester United to land 26-year-old defender

Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly urged the Manchester United hierarchy to secure the services of Harry Maguire from Leicester City this summer.

The Red Devils have already failed with an opening bid of around £70m for the centre-back and reports have emerged that the Foxes are looking for fees in region of £90m.

According to M.E.N, Ferguson is said to hold the central defender in good regard after watching him closely during a FA Youth Cup final between the Red Devils and Sheffield United eight years ago.

The same publication claims Ferguson has given the green light to pursue the England international and urged the club to pay whatever it takes to lure the former Hull City man.

United are currently aiming to negotiate a lesser value than the Foxes' £90m price tag and reports have suggested that they may come up with a fresh bid of around £75m.

Aside from Maguire, United are also in the hunt to pursue Bruno Fernandes and Sean Longstaff to strengthen the midfield but they are similarly facing the task of negotiating the transfer sum.