Eric Bailly's possible injury layoff could reportedly force Manchester United to meet Leicester City's £80m asking price for Harry Maguire.

United's pursuit of the England international has dragged on all summer as the Foxes have been unwilling to lower their valuation.

According to The Mirror, though, the transfer saga may now be coming to an end due to the injury suffered by Bailly during Thursday's pre-season friendly win against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Ivorian centre-back appeared to twist his knee early in the second half and had to be stretchered off the field, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later admitting that he cannot be certain how long the defender will be out of action.

United will now step up negations with Leicester for Maguire, it is claimed, as they want a settled defensive partnership in time for the new campaign.

Maguire has featured for City during pre-season, but he is believed to be desperate to link up with Solskjaer at United.