Manchester United and Chelsea given Harry Maguire and Kasper Schmeichel hands-off warning by Leicester boss Claude Puel
The Foxes boss has stressed the duo are a crucial part of side, and insists he won't be able to find replacements in time
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CLAUDE PUEL has issued a hands-off warning to Manchester United and Chelsea over their pursuit of Harry Maguire and Kasper Schmeichel.
The 56-year-old has insisted it is crucial for the Foxes to retain the duo, while also claiming he wouldn't have time to replace them ahead of the season opener against the Red Devils.
Jose Mourinho is believed to be desperate to bring England's World Cup star Maguire to Old Trafford in a £60million deal.
Leicester are determined to keep hold of the 25-year-old centre-back, who only joined from Hull for £17m last summer.
Meanwhile, Schmeichel, 31, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea eye up a replacement for Real Madrid-bound goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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Speaking after the 2-1 pre-season defeat to Udinese, Puel said: "I think we can keep both players. It is crucial for us.
"We cannot lose players just a few days before the beginning of the season.
"We would not be able to find a solution and we cannot be be behind.
"Kasper and Maguire are so valuable for us. It is important to maintain our structure, our squad and all our valuable players for the team.
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"We know all the difficulties after the World Cup, to work in this condition to prepare all of the squad, to keep good mentality and spirit and to find a good level for every player.
"If we have another surprise before the end of the pre-season, it will be tough."
Maguire has been making the most of his extended pre-season break by lapping up the sun in Barbados with partner Fern Hawkins.