Maguire deal proof of Foxes’ ambition – Puel

Leicester boss Claude Puel hopes Harry Maguire signing a new long-term contract will ward off interest in the highly-rated defender.

The 25-year-old was a target for Manchester United during the summer and was a key player for England as they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, before committing his future to Leicester last week by signing an improved fiveyear deal.

Maguire has started all four of the Foxes Premier League games this season and Puel believes the new contract for the centre-half represents an important statement by the club.

“Of course not always players who start the season finish the season at a club, but it is not in my mind that he will leave the club after just one year,” said Puel.

“It is important to keep a player of his quality and importance to the club and the most important thing for me is to continue with him and work together.

“It is a good feeling for all the club and for our fans. This signing shows the ambition of the club, the owners and for the fans it is very good feeling for the future.

“For the squad also - we kept our best player and it is a good thing to continue to improve.”

Leicester resume their Premier League campaign away at Bournemouth tomorrow and Puel is looking for a better start to the game from his team.

In both games the Foxes have lost so far, they have conceded inside the opening 10 minutes.