Manchester United ready to meet asking price for 26-year-old defender

Manchester United are prepared to meet the asking price for Leicester City's Harry Maguire with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eager to add another central defender to the squad before the close of pre-season.

The Red Devils failed with a £70m bid for Maguire at the start of the month but it has been suggested that they would come up with a renewed approach for his services.

According to The Sun, Solskjaer has given the green light to meet the £85m asking price for the centre-back rather than prolonging negotiations with the east Midlands outfit.

United were previously aiming to discuss a player-plus-cash deal for the former Hull City man but that route has failed to work with the Foxes preferring a straight-cash agreement.

Aside from United, Manchester City have also been linked with the ex-Sheffield United graduate but they have bowed out of the race after deciding against improving on their initial £70m package for the defender.