‘Don’t pay £50m for Maguire’
JOSE MOURINHO told Manchester United NOT to pay more than £50million for Harry Maguire – and ended up costing the Reds £20m more than the original asking price.
Maguire, 26, became the world’s most expensive defender last summer when he moved to Old Trafford from Leicester in a deal worth £80m.
But United had first registered their interest in the centre-back 12 months earlier when Mourinho had put him on his wish-list – and was lined up to make the switch for £60m.
United, however, backed out of talks with the Foxes when Mourinho told club bosses that paying a penny more than £50m would “embarrass him”.
A club insider said: “A move was made for Maguire in the summer of 2018 – with Jose Mourinho’s blessing.
“But Jose’s interest in signing the player came with a proviso. He said that, while Maguire was an excellent player, he wasn’t worth more than £50million. In fact, he said paying more than £50m would embarrass him.
“The club was armed with that valuation when they spoke to Leicester – who immediately made it clear they would not sell for less than £60m.
“The deal was dead before United had even made a formal bid – and when it was decided to move for Maguire again a year later, his price had gone up to £80m.”
NEIL HARRIS has been named as Cardiff’s new manager.
The former Millwall boss replaces Neil Warnock at the Championship club.
The 42-year-old beat off Mark Hughes to land the job until the summer of 2022.
Owner Vincent Tan said: “I have full confidence in Neil due to his principles on and off the pitch and enthusiasm to succeed.”