OGS instructs Woodward to make move for £80m star as Man Utd boss eyes double swoop

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd are linked with Harry Maguire…

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has instructed Ed Woodward to launch a bid to sign Harry Maguire as the Manchester United boss looks to bring in two new defenders this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

Solskjaer has wasted no time strengthening his squad after snapping-up winger Daniel James from Swansea City but there is plenty more business left to be done as the Norwegian coach tries to build a competitive side after United finished sixth last season.

Improving the defence is a priority after Man Utd conceded 54 goals in the Premier League and Maguire has emerged as a prime target after developing into a top class centre-back since joining Leicester City from Hull City two years ago.

Manchester City have also been strongly linked with a move for Maguire but the Evening Standard says Pep Guardiola’s side have been put off by Leicester’s £90m valuation which has left United in pole position to strike a deal.

The newspaper says Solskjaer has instructed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to launch a move to sign Maguire with the Manchester giants hoping to pay a maximum of £80m as they feel that could be be enough to persuade Leicester to do business.

That would be a record fee for a defender but Maguire would be an excellent partner for Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford as the 26-year-old would be a big upgrade on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Solskjaer is also looking to bring in another right-back as Antonio Valencia has left the club, Matteo Darmian is tipped for a move back to Italy while Ashley Young turns 34 next month so a long-term replacement is needed to compete with Diogo Dalot.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is widely touted as United’s prime target and the Evening Standard claims the Red Devils are set to table an improved bid for the youngster after seeing their opening £40m offer rejected by Crystal Palace.

The England U21 international was one of the best right-backs in the Premier League last season after enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park so he’d be a superb addition to the squad if United could secure a deal.

READ –> Man Utd transfer news

Let’s see how things develop over the coming days but it looks like it’s going to be a busy summer at Old Trafford with Solskjaer pushing hard to pull off what would be a big-money double swoop for Maguire and Wan-Bissaka.