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Harry Maguire has already made his feelings on Ruud van Nistelrooy clear as Leicester City return mooted

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Harry Maguire spent two years at Leicester City before securing a big-money move to Manchester United.

Leicester City signed Harry Maguire from Hull City in July 2017 for around £11m.

The centre-back was part of an excellent Tigers backline that also included Liverpool’s, Andy Robertson.

During his time at the King Power Stadium, Maguire made 76 appearances in all competitions, scoring five and assisting three.

He then sealed a staggering £80m transfer to Manchester United in 2019 but it’s fair to say his time at Old Trafford hasn’t really worked out.

The Red Devils have floundered as a club for many years and Maguire’s form has suffered, often being used as a scapegoat by fans for their team’s decline.

Now, the Englishman’s contract with Man Utd is due to expire in 2025 and reports emerging recently have claimed Leicester could make a move for Maguire.

Leicester City Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Harry Maguire on Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy

Maguire has been in and out of the starting lineup for Manchester United in 2024/25.

Injury issues kept him out of the team when Ruud van Nistelrooy took interim charge of the Red Devils following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.

But Maguire still spent several months working under the Dutchman when he was one of Ten Hag’s assistants.

During that time, the centre-back was full of praise for the now Leicester boss earlier this year, as per FourFourTwo.

He said: “For the team, last season was a real disappointment, but we finished on a highThere has been a lot of positive energy after that. There has been a lot of changes within the club with the hierarchy and the staff around the manager.

“I think that will help us. Ruud is an excellent coach – you can tell that he’s addicted to football. He loves analysing the game. I’ve been really impressed by his ideas.”

Newcastle United FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Leicester City eye alternative centre-backs to Harry Maguire

While fans may wish to see their former player return, the club are seemingly exploring other centre-back options as the January window nears.

Valentin Gomez has been linked to Leicester recently and like Maguire, he is left-footed – a trait the Foxes are lacking in their defenders right now.

Another option the Midlands side have looked at would also bring with him some Premier League experience.

Atalanta BC are open to offers for Leicester target Ben Godfrey but the Englishman has interest from Italy as well.

Elsewhere, the Foxes are battling Manchester City for a ‘monster’ defender similar to one of their current players, Caleb Okoli.