Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel insists Harry Maguire’s new five-year deal at the club sends the message they mean business this season.

The former Premier League champions failed to qualify for Europe last term but did finish inside the top 10 under Claude Puel. After losing their opening game this year, Leicester have since responded with two wins and another loss to sit eighth.

After losing Riyad Mahrez in the summer to Manchester City, the Foxes confirmed last week that Maguire is now tied to the club for the next five years.

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay since his move from Hull in 2017 and Schmeichel believes the club can kick on and challenge this season, with Leicester 41.00 to finish in the top four.

“It is very nice news. Harry has been top drawer since the first day,” Schmeichel said. “For him to commit himself for five years is a great sign. It is a statement of intent from the owners that they want to keep all the best players.

“We are not in a position where we have to sell, we want to build and Harry is an important part of that. He has carried on his World Cup form this season. He is a top-class player and we are very lucky to have him.

“We have some good English youngsters like Demarai (Gray) and ‘Chilly’ (Ben Chilwell) and then James Maddison who has absolutely in no way looked out of place in the Premier League.

“I have been really impressed with all of them. They are going to play a big part for us, not just now but in the future.”