Manchester United have renewed optimism they can beat rivals Manchester City to the signing of Harry Maguire.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants the 26-year-old Leicester City defender to become the new leader of his revamped side and United will back him with a lucrative contract offer.

Talks are ongoing between the clubs with Leicester's £85million valuation the obvious hurdle as United look to strike a compromise closer to £75m.

Manchester United have renewed optimism they can beat Manchester City to Harry Maguire

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants the 26-year-old to become the new leader of his revamped side

Maguire had initially intimated he would prefer a move to City but they are reluctant to bid that high, giving United incentive to conclude a deal.

Leicester are aware the lure of a move to Old Trafford could be tempting and have been identifying options to replace Maguire with Burnley's £40m-rated James Tarkowski among them.

United, who have six centre backs in their current first-team squad, are understood to have proposed players in return but Leicester would prefer a straight cash deal.

Maguire had intimated he would prefer a move to City but they are reluctant to bid that high

United are also expected to hold talks in London with Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio on Thursday regarding a proposed deal for Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian striker underlined his desire to leave during a meeting with Solskjaer at United's hotel in Perth on Monday but Inter have so far failed to meet United's £75m valuation.

Solskjaer and his squad were in high spirits on Wednesday though as they visited Nobu restaurant in Perth to celebrate Ashley Young's 34th birthday.