'Maguire will improve Man Utd or Man City'

Danny Simpson, who spent two years alongside the England international with the Foxes, believes the 26-year-old is one of the best in the business

Simpson, who spent two years alongside Maguire at Leicester before leaving the Foxes this summer, is not surprised to have seen the 26-year-old centre-half become such a sought-after talent.

He told talkSPORT: “I’m not surprised that United and City are in for him. For me he’s one of the best defenders.

“He’s a top lad and he’s only going to get better. He’s improving, he’s a leader and he can be wherever he wants to be.

“The way he brings the ball out from the back and organises everyone is quality.

“He wants to go all the way to the top and I think if he does go to one of those two teams, he’ll kick on straight away and take it in his stride.”

Simpson is a product of United’s academy system and would prefer to see Maguire head for Old Trafford if a move to Manchester is made, but he concedes that City would be a suitable destination for a player with the potential to fill some big shoes for the Blues.

“I’m a United fan so I’m a bit biased,” added Simpson.

“But United want to get back to the top and City have lost Kompany.

“Wherever he is this season he’s going to improve that team.”

Maguire committed to a new five-year contract with Leicester in 2018 and is now said to be valued by the Foxes at around the £90 million ($112m) mark.