HARRY IS OUR BEST PLAYER
Maguire ousts Vardy as Foxes superstar and boss says: He’s worth every penny of £20m deal
LEICESTER have confirmed Harry Maguire has no buy-out clause in his new deal after boss Claude Puel admitted the defender is their new talisman.
The 2016 Premier League champions sold former PFA player of the year Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City in the summer.
Jamie Vardy (below), who scored 24 times in their title season, has yet to complete 90 minutes this term and was banned for the last three games.
Wes Morgan (right) remains as skipper but boss Puel now rates ballplaying England centreback Maguire as the club’s most important player.
The Foxes have just tied Maguire down to a five-year deal worth £20million after his World Cup heroics, which sparked bids from Manchester United.
And as far as Puel is concerned, Maguire is worth every penny. The Frenchman said: “It’s a good contract for the club and supporters. This signing shows the ambition of the club and is a good feeling for the future.
“We kept our best player. We know Harry’s qualities and his importance. He is a valuable player for us and he played very well all the time for the national team. “The most important thing is to continue to work with him and develop him and his teammates and to make progress together.
“In signing a five-year contract it’s not in my mind or Harry’s mind to leave the club after just one season.” Striker Vardy is available again and set to return to the starting line-up at Bournemouth tomorrow after his red card against Wolves.
Puel added: “He’s not played a lot but I hope he can find his rhythm and tempo. He’s refreshed and will bring a good mentality, and he is hungry.”