Football transfers: United sign England defender Maguire from Leicester

Manchester United have signed Leicester City's England centre back Harry Maguire on a six-year contract, the Manchester club announced on Monday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the transfer fee was in the region of 80 million pounds ($97.30 million), making Maguire the most expensive defender in the world.

The fee eclipses the 75 million pounds Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in January last year.

"Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City. Harry signs on a six-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year," United said in a statement on their website.

The 26-year-old becomes the Old Trafford club's second most expensive recruit after French midfielder Paul Pogba, who was signed for a then world-record 89 million pounds from Juventus in 2016.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described Maguire as "one of the best centre backs in the game today."

"He's a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure -- coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes," the Norwegian said.

"I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch... he has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club."

Maguire, who helped England reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, had signed a contract extension to 2023 with Leicester last year and played 31 times in the league last season, scoring three goals.

"I'm delighted to have signed for this great club. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons," Maguire said.

"However, when Manchester United come knocking... it's an incredible opportunity.

"From my conversations with the manager, I'm 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'm now looking forward to meeting my new team mates and getting the season started."

Leicester confirmed they had accepted a club record fee for Maguire, who joined them from Hull City in 2017 and went on to make 76 appearances.

Maguire is United's third recruit of the close season after they signed winger Daniel James from Championship side Swansea City and right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

United, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, begin the new campaign on Aug. 11 at home to Chelsea.

Liverpool sign goalkeeper Adrian

Liverpool have signed former West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer following the departure of Simon Mignolet to Belgian side Club Bruges, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Mignolet was part of the Liverpool squad that claimed the Champions League crown last season and the 31-year-old ends a six-year spell at Anfield in which he made more than 200 appearances in all competitions.

The 32-year-old Adrian, who left West Ham at the end of last season, will compete with first-choice keeper Alisson for a starting spot.

"I'm very ambitious, I come here to try to win everything, to try to push Ali from the first minute and to make us better, Spaniard Adrian said in a statement on the club's website.

"Obviously, I want to win titles. I come here to fight for all the competitions... I'm looking forward to playing my first game at Anfield and to win as many games as we can."

After 22 appearances in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign, Mignolet was restricted to two games last season having fallen behind Brazilian Alisson in the pecking order.

Bruges announced on Sunday that the Belgium international agreed a five-year deal, while British media said the transfer fee was about 7 million pounds ($8.51 million).

Mignolet began his career at Belgian side STVV and switched to Sunderland in 2010 before joining Liverpool three years later.

Liverpool begin the new league campaign with a home match against promoted Norwich City on Friday.