05 Aug Manchester United seal world record deal for Leicester defender

Manchester United has completed the signing of Leicester City defender Harry Maguire for a world record fee of £80m ($144m AUD).

Maguire, 26, now holds the mantle as the most expensive defender in history, eclipsing the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.

The England international inked a six-year deal with the option for a seventh.

"When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity," Maguire said.

"From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team.

"It's clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.”

Maguire is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's third summer signing following the arrivals of Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Swansea winger Daniel James.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season and open the new campaign against Chelsea on Monday AEST.