Harry Maguire is convinced he will move to Old Trafford in the next two weeks, but Manchester United's defenders are reluctant to make way.
England centre back Maguire is top of Jose Mourinho's list of defensive targets this summer, with United ready to pay up to £65million for him.
However, Leicester City could demand even more for a player who only cost them £17m when he arrived from relegated Hull City a year ago.
And Mourinho has been told by United that he must sell one of his five central defenders to make way for the 25-year-old.
While Mourinho is unlikely to part with Eric Bailly, the other four — Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof — are all dispensable.
Argentina defender Rojo, who returned from holiday on Wednesday, has attracted strong interest from a Premier League rival, but is reluctant to leave after signing a new contract in March.
Jones and Lindelof are still having time off after the World Cup, while Smalling insists he has no intention of standing aside.
'Right now, the shirt is mine and I intend to keep it,' he said. 'This club is always linked with centre backs, whether it's the club or agents or whoever, because the best come here. But I'm happy and when I'm fit I play, so I just want to carry on from last season.'
England boss Gareth Southgate picked Maguire ahead of Smalling in his World Cup squad because of the Yorkshireman's passing ability, and the United player added: 'Initially it was obviously a disappointment, because you want to be a part of big tournaments.
'I had to come to terms with that. Hopefully I can get a full pre-season, which I've not had in many years, and I feel fresh and ready to go now.'
If United miss out on Maguire, they could turn to Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld or Leonardo Bonucci of AC Milan, who was due to face Mourinho's team in Los Angeles in the early hours of this morning.
Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso is determined to hold on to his captain who has also been linked with a return to Juventus.
'We'll see, but from my part I hope until the last day that Bonucci stays with us,' said Gattuso.
Rineshahesh
60
I am tired of Man u. They are so boring when they play football and in the tranfers market. The whole day I read Pogba and Mourinho prob. and their interest and other stupid players. All football I am bored of club old stupid tranfers rumeurs. Create a game we can play please
Dynalas
54
He's crap united will be dumb buying him waste of money he's worse than Jones and smelling he only looked good on WC against weak opposition he's a headless chicken I don't think united are after him just british press trying to get him his big move
Pearler
53
That's a lot of coin. The lad was decent at Hull and has kicked on at Leicester, his WC has obviously put the price right up. If true then United need to get rid of the dead-wood at the centre-back position.
Teezeey
52
Manchester United are just about to pay 65 mills to have another Chris Smalling
Sambzl
51
When was the last time we heard of a man united youth prospect? Why pay all this crazy ass money for overpriced players and never give a chance to the united youth products!! But we all know the truth even if united had an 18 yrs talent rising Mou would kill his career before it even starts.. Sad but true
Justinbra
45
Why is it clubs come up with silly price tags when clubs like United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea come along with interest This guy might be ok but he is not world class. I'd never really heard of him until world cup. None of the top teams wanted him prier to world cup. Now his value has almost quadrupled. Plus Liverpool paying £67 million for a goalie. I hope he got hand like the preacher guy in Kenny Everets shows because at that price he dare not let a ball in the back of the net.
Nesaiknruy
35
United buying the next Luke Shaw. End up bench warming for Smalling and Jones 😂
typhoonv
32
It's a bit arrogant of Smalling to say "When I'm fit, I play." It's not his decision. And he certainly won't play if Mourinho buys a better center back. On yer bike, Smalling.