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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United have offered a "take it or leave it" bid of £80m for Leicester defender Harry Maguire.

What's the word?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Maguire has been a prime summer transfer target for the Red Devils, but that the club have so far failed to match Leicester's valuation of the centre-back.

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However, talkSPORT now claim that United's offer will be withdrawn on Monday if Leicester have not accepted it. The potential move would see the England international become the world's most expensive defender, eclipsing the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton to sign Virgil van Dijk.

A dangerous game

Twist or fold? United's reported "take it or leave it" offer is certainly a statement that the club have got some serious - as Troy Deeney would call it - "cojones". Delivering such a defining statement to Leicester is a risky move, given the Foxes' steadfast approach to selling their prized centre-back this summer.

However, following reports that Maguire has become "increasingly frustrated" with his club's failure to agree a deal with United, the Foxes are in danger of potentially being left with a player who has indicated that he wants out. The 26-year-old has to his credit shown great professionalism in turning out for Leicester during pre-season, and hasn't kicked up too much of a fuss publicly.

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But United's stance may just be the catalyst to end this transfer saga once and for all. Brendan Rodgers' side are now aware that the Red Devils would walk away if Leicester look to try and negotiate a higher fee. The ball is firmly in the Foxes' court, but United cashing in their chips has certainly raised the stakes and could be the trigger move to finally get their man.

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