Pep Guardiola has revealed why Manchester United beat Manchester City to the signing of  Harry Maguire from Leicester City, saying the champions were interested but could not afford the England international.

Maguire is expected to officially complete his move to Old Trafford next week after United agreed an £80 million transfer fee with Leicester City on Friday.

The 26-year-old arrived at United’s training ground on Sunday to complete a medical and put the finishing touches on his move.

The deal will take United’s summer spending to around £150m as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side also signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James this window.

City, meanwhile, were exploring a deal for Maguire but were put off by Leicester’s £80m valuation. The Premier League champions are also understood to be closing in on a £32m deal for Juventus full-back Joao Cancelo.

When asked about United’s move for Maguire after City’s win over Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday, Guardiola said: ‘Top class player.

‘We were interested but we could not afford it. United could afford it.

‘Congratulations to United on this signing.’