Manchester United have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of centre-back Harry Maguire with Leicester City said to be demanding £75million – a fee that could force United to look elsewhere.

Maguire is in demand after starring for England at the World Cup, and has emerged as United’s first-choice target in defence.

However, the price tag may force the club to switch their attentions back to Tottenham‘s Belgium centre-back Toby Alderweireld, like Maguire a World Cup semi-finalist this summer.

Negotiations between United and Spurs had seemingly broken down earlier this summer as the Manchester club felt their counterparts’ asking price – coincidentally also believed to be £75million – was too high. The clubs were reportedly £20million apart in their valuations, according to Goal.

The same report claims Maguire is a second-choice option for United after Alderweireld, and the club would consider it poor business to end up paying the same amount for the young Englishman as they were being quoted for the Spurs man.

Given United manager Jose Mourinho‘s urgency to strengthen his defensive options, the club could be forced into a decision soon, with the August 9 closure of the transfer window looming.