Leicester have started eyeing replacements for Harry Maguire with Manchester United interested, according to reports in the British press.

Maguire only joined the Foxes last summer but his stock has risen considerably after a solid season at King Power Stadium and excellent displays in England’s defence at the World Cup in Russia.

It is thought that Red Devils’ chief Jose Mourinho is keen on the former Hull City man and Leicester do not want him to leave but, as ever in football, money talks and it may be that the Old Trafford club offer enough to tempt them to sell.

According to The Mirror, the 2015-16 Premier League champions have identified Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson as a potential replacement should Maguire jump ship.

Gibson was linked with a Riverside departure after Boro fell into the Championship at the end of the 2016-17 season but remained on Teesside to try and help the club bounce back at the first attempt.

They were unsuccessful, losing to Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals and it appears as though the 25-year-old may now be open to an exit.

Sky Sports are reporting that Maguire is keen on joining United but will need to convince the East Midlanders to sanction any deal as they are adamant he is going nowhere.

However the fact that Leicester have their eyes on Gibson suggests that they may be ready to cash in on the powerful stopper.

United are on offer at 7.50 to win the Premier League and the addition of Maguire might see that price shorten, while Boro are 3.80 to gain promotion.