|
|
THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS
Wesley Fofana: Leicester agree deal for St Etienne defender
St Etienne: "The decision to sell the player was taken collegially by the management board and the shareholders"
Leicester have agreed a deal to sign teenage defender Wesley Fofana from St Etienne for a fee that could rise to £30m.
The French club confirmed the agreement on Tuesday evening, stating it will be the largest transfer fee they have ever received, and that the uncertain economic environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic was a major factor in accepting the bid.
Fofana, 19, who has been vocal about his desire to come to the Premier League after an outbreak season in Ligue 1, was also a target for West Ham, but they are now exploring alternative options. "The decision to sell the player was taken collegially by the management board and the shareholders," a St Etienne statement said.
"ASSE accepted Leicester's exceptional offer, especially given the uncertain economic context caused by the health crisis."
Leicester's priority this summer has been a centre-back and they have also been in regular contact for James Tarkowski from Burnley, but the signing of Fofana would likely end their interest in the England international.
Sky Sports
St Etienne: "The decision to sell the player was taken collegially by the management board and the shareholders"
Leicester have agreed a deal to sign teenage defender Wesley Fofana from St Etienne for a fee that could rise to £30m.
The French club confirmed the agreement on Tuesday evening, stating it will be the largest transfer fee they have ever received, and that the uncertain economic environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic was a major factor in accepting the bid.
Fofana, 19, who has been vocal about his desire to come to the Premier League after an outbreak season in Ligue 1, was also a target for West Ham, but they are now exploring alternative options. "The decision to sell the player was taken collegially by the management board and the shareholders," a St Etienne statement said.
"ASSE accepted Leicester's exceptional offer, especially given the uncertain economic context caused by the health crisis."
Leicester's priority this summer has been a centre-back and they have also been in regular contact for James Tarkowski from Burnley, but the signing of Fofana would likely end their interest in the England international.
Sky Sports
‘WILY OLD FOX’: NICHOLAS THINKS CELTIC SHOULD SIGN 34-YEAR-OLD OR ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL
Celtic should make a move for Leicester City veteran Christian Fuchs in an attempt to solve their left-back problem, Hoops legend Charlie Nicholas has told the Daily Express (29 September, page 57).
While the Scottish Premiership champions had no choice but to shove the disgraced Boli Bolingoli out the door, finding a replacement before next week’s transfer deadline is proving to be easier said than done. Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has all-but ruled out the departure of Alfie Doughty after Celtic had two bids rejected for the 21-year-old speed-machine (Glasgow Times).
Bristol City assist-machine Niclas Eliasson and Arhus’s Casper Hojer have also been linked as Neil Lennon and Nick Hammond look to hedge their bets with just five days remaining until the window slams shut. But Nicholas has an idea of his own. One that revolves around offering a 34-year-old Premier League winner a fresh start on the green half of Glasgow.
“If I was Celtic I would be going to (former manager) Brendan Rodgers and looking for a favour. They are crying out for a left-back and I would go and ask about Christian Fuchs at Leicester City,” says Nicholas, who believes the Hoops were ‘mad’ to let the versatile Jonny Hayes return to Aberdeen.
“The Austrian is a wily old fox that would give the Celtic defence some bite and is exactly what they need both domestically and for the Europa League. “I know he is 34 but he is experienced, strong and an attacking left-back. He is sound defensively and good going forward. Fuchs would come with a real top level pedigree and let’s not forget he has also won the Premier League at Leicester.
“Rodgers is playing a back four and I think Fuchs is much better in a back five and Celtic’s style, just now, would suit him perfectly.” Nicholas believes that, if Fuchs is unavailable, Celtic should chance their arm at Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose.
The England international is not a part of Jose Mourinho’s plans, especially after the arrival of Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid. And, after failing to win a single trophy during 13 years at Spurs, Rose may be temped to get his hands on silverware in Scotland.
HITC
Celtic should make a move for Leicester City veteran Christian Fuchs in an attempt to solve their left-back problem, Hoops legend Charlie Nicholas has told the Daily Express (29 September, page 57).
While the Scottish Premiership champions had no choice but to shove the disgraced Boli Bolingoli out the door, finding a replacement before next week’s transfer deadline is proving to be easier said than done. Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has all-but ruled out the departure of Alfie Doughty after Celtic had two bids rejected for the 21-year-old speed-machine (Glasgow Times).
Bristol City assist-machine Niclas Eliasson and Arhus’s Casper Hojer have also been linked as Neil Lennon and Nick Hammond look to hedge their bets with just five days remaining until the window slams shut. But Nicholas has an idea of his own. One that revolves around offering a 34-year-old Premier League winner a fresh start on the green half of Glasgow.
“If I was Celtic I would be going to (former manager) Brendan Rodgers and looking for a favour. They are crying out for a left-back and I would go and ask about Christian Fuchs at Leicester City,” says Nicholas, who believes the Hoops were ‘mad’ to let the versatile Jonny Hayes return to Aberdeen.
“The Austrian is a wily old fox that would give the Celtic defence some bite and is exactly what they need both domestically and for the Europa League. “I know he is 34 but he is experienced, strong and an attacking left-back. He is sound defensively and good going forward. Fuchs would come with a real top level pedigree and let’s not forget he has also won the Premier League at Leicester.
“Rodgers is playing a back four and I think Fuchs is much better in a back five and Celtic’s style, just now, would suit him perfectly.” Nicholas believes that, if Fuchs is unavailable, Celtic should chance their arm at Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose.
The England international is not a part of Jose Mourinho’s plans, especially after the arrival of Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid. And, after failing to win a single trophy during 13 years at Spurs, Rose may be temped to get his hands on silverware in Scotland.
HITC
‘Oh god’, ‘Please no’ – Many West Brom fans react to Slimani transfer report
West Brom fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns over the Baggies making a potential move for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.
John Percy of the Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Albion had made an inquiry over a potential loan deal for the 32-year-old, who spent last season on loan with French outfit AS Monaco.
The Algeria international joined the Foxes in August in 2016, but has gone on to make just 39 Premier League appearances for them, registering a fairly paltry eight goals.
His record in France was a little better last term, and he averaged a strike every two matches in Ligue 1, as well as seven assists in 18 appearances. But the Baggies are in desperate need of a striker who can keep them afloat this term, and you have to ask yourself whether moving for a 32-year-old who has been comprehensively ousted by Leicester is the kind of gamble we want to be taking at such a crucial moment.
Moreover, a loan deal for Slimani is surely off the table. Premier League rules state that a club cannot register more than two loanees at any given time. With Connor Gallagher and Filip Krovinovic both through the door, it means that a permanent deal is the only way that Slimani could arrive at The Hawthorns.
That would be a costly risk to take, and we really hope that Slaven Bilic instead manages to land his priority target – Huddersfield Town hitman Karlan Grant.
westbromnews.co.uk
West Brom fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns over the Baggies making a potential move for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.
John Percy of the Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Albion had made an inquiry over a potential loan deal for the 32-year-old, who spent last season on loan with French outfit AS Monaco.
The Algeria international joined the Foxes in August in 2016, but has gone on to make just 39 Premier League appearances for them, registering a fairly paltry eight goals.
His record in France was a little better last term, and he averaged a strike every two matches in Ligue 1, as well as seven assists in 18 appearances. But the Baggies are in desperate need of a striker who can keep them afloat this term, and you have to ask yourself whether moving for a 32-year-old who has been comprehensively ousted by Leicester is the kind of gamble we want to be taking at such a crucial moment.
Moreover, a loan deal for Slimani is surely off the table. Premier League rules state that a club cannot register more than two loanees at any given time. With Connor Gallagher and Filip Krovinovic both through the door, it means that a permanent deal is the only way that Slimani could arrive at The Hawthorns.
That would be a costly risk to take, and we really hope that Slaven Bilic instead manages to land his priority target – Huddersfield Town hitman Karlan Grant.
westbromnews.co.uk
Leicester edge closer to £37m capture of Burnley defender James Tarkowski as Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers targets three more signings before transfer window closes
Leicester are set to make a new bid for James Tarkowski in the coming days with Burnley prepared to sell the defender for about £37million.
The Foxes have turned their attentions to Tarkowski for the second consecutive summer after becoming frustrated in their pursuit of St Etienne centre-back Wesley Fofana. Leicester's initial bid of about £30m plus add-ons was rejected last week but Sportsmail understands £37m would be enough to do the deal.
Burnley are currently in takeover talks with American group ALK Capital. West Ham had also shown interest in the 27-year-old. Tarkowski is thought to be keen to join Leicester, who have made a superb start to the season to move top of the Premier League table thanks to Sunday's 5-2 win at Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers has made a centre-back his priority since sealing the signings of full-back Timothy Castagne and on-loan Roma winger Cengiz Under.
The need for reinforcements has increased after Wilfred Ndidi - who had been playing as a makeshift centre-back - suffered a thigh problem that will keep him out for 12 weeks, while Jonny Evans complained of a tight calf at the Etihad Stadium.
Leicester pursued Tarkowski strongly last summer after selling Harry Maguire to Manchester United, but Burnley stood firm, allowing Caglar Soyuncu to establish himself alongside Evans at the back. Rodgers revealed last week that he had targeted five new signings to keep Leicester progressing this term.
With Castagne and Under already arrived, he is looking for further options in central midfield and attack, as well as in central defence. Jonathan Tah, of Bayer Leverkusen, remains on Leicester's list if the move for Tarkowski is not successful.
Daily Mail
Leicester are set to make a new bid for James Tarkowski in the coming days with Burnley prepared to sell the defender for about £37million.
The Foxes have turned their attentions to Tarkowski for the second consecutive summer after becoming frustrated in their pursuit of St Etienne centre-back Wesley Fofana. Leicester's initial bid of about £30m plus add-ons was rejected last week but Sportsmail understands £37m would be enough to do the deal.
Burnley are currently in takeover talks with American group ALK Capital. West Ham had also shown interest in the 27-year-old. Tarkowski is thought to be keen to join Leicester, who have made a superb start to the season to move top of the Premier League table thanks to Sunday's 5-2 win at Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers has made a centre-back his priority since sealing the signings of full-back Timothy Castagne and on-loan Roma winger Cengiz Under.
The need for reinforcements has increased after Wilfred Ndidi - who had been playing as a makeshift centre-back - suffered a thigh problem that will keep him out for 12 weeks, while Jonny Evans complained of a tight calf at the Etihad Stadium.
Leicester pursued Tarkowski strongly last summer after selling Harry Maguire to Manchester United, but Burnley stood firm, allowing Caglar Soyuncu to establish himself alongside Evans at the back. Rodgers revealed last week that he had targeted five new signings to keep Leicester progressing this term.
With Castagne and Under already arrived, he is looking for further options in central midfield and attack, as well as in central defence. Jonathan Tah, of Bayer Leverkusen, remains on Leicester's list if the move for Tarkowski is not successful.
Daily Mail
Saint-Etienne Torn Over Fourth Bid From Leicester For Wesley Fofana
Saint-Etienne have not rejected or accepted the latest bid from Leicester City for Wesley Fofana as the French club grapple with the decision over whether to sell the young defender.
Fofana is Leicester’s top target and the 19-year-old defender has agreed a five-year contract with the Foxes to move to England. The teenage defender is pushing for the move, but Saint-Etienne general manager Claude Puel is reluctant to sell him and the club have rejected three bids from the Foxes thus far.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Leicester made another offer for Fofana over the weekend and have improved upon their previous three bids. The Premier League side have offered a deal worth €40m to Saint-Etienne, which includes €5m in performance-based add-ons.
And it has been claimed that Saint-Etienne have not rejected the offer from the Foxes yet. Leicester have not heard anything from the French club since tabling the fourth offer.
Puel remains reluctant to lose Fofana but the Saint-Etienne board are grappling over the decision as the offer is big, particularly in the current climate.
Saint-Etienne are torn over whether to accept the big offer on their table or adhere to what Puel wants, which is keep Fofana for one more season
Insidefutbol
Saint-Etienne have not rejected or accepted the latest bid from Leicester City for Wesley Fofana as the French club grapple with the decision over whether to sell the young defender.
Fofana is Leicester’s top target and the 19-year-old defender has agreed a five-year contract with the Foxes to move to England. The teenage defender is pushing for the move, but Saint-Etienne general manager Claude Puel is reluctant to sell him and the club have rejected three bids from the Foxes thus far.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Leicester made another offer for Fofana over the weekend and have improved upon their previous three bids. The Premier League side have offered a deal worth €40m to Saint-Etienne, which includes €5m in performance-based add-ons.
And it has been claimed that Saint-Etienne have not rejected the offer from the Foxes yet. Leicester have not heard anything from the French club since tabling the fourth offer.
Puel remains reluctant to lose Fofana but the Saint-Etienne board are grappling over the decision as the offer is big, particularly in the current climate.
Saint-Etienne are torn over whether to accept the big offer on their table or adhere to what Puel wants, which is keep Fofana for one more season
Insidefutbol
Club ‘would probably not refuse’ a bid from Leicester – Player ‘has been dreaming’ of PL move
Borussia Dortmund ‘would probably not refuse’ a deal for defender Manuel Akanji should Leicester City pursue one.
The Foxes were linked with a move for the Frenchman by the English media this week, with claims that they were ready to make a €20m bid. They’ve been on the hunt for a new centre back all summer, with Brendan Rodgers keen to add further competition to his backline.
Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana is their prime target but the French side’s reluctance to sanction a sale, despite the player’s determination to make it happen, means they have to set-up alternative options.
Akanji was subsequently named as a target, but it was unknown whether Dortmund would be open to selling him. BILD have now covered the rumour and say there is every chance Dortmund would be open to it, stating that the German side ‘would probably not refuse’ a transfer should it be offered.
Likewise, they claim that Akanji ‘has been dreaming’ of a move to the Premier League for some time, suggesting he would be open to it too. There’s no claim that Leicester have made a bid, or indeed that one is incoming as yet, yet it’s made clear that should it arrive Dortmund would not be completely against selling, and the player would be open to the move too.
That should be enough to convince Leicester this is one they can get over the line before deadline day, all they need to do now is make a bid.
Sport Witness
Borussia Dortmund ‘would probably not refuse’ a deal for defender Manuel Akanji should Leicester City pursue one.
The Foxes were linked with a move for the Frenchman by the English media this week, with claims that they were ready to make a €20m bid. They’ve been on the hunt for a new centre back all summer, with Brendan Rodgers keen to add further competition to his backline.
Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana is their prime target but the French side’s reluctance to sanction a sale, despite the player’s determination to make it happen, means they have to set-up alternative options.
Akanji was subsequently named as a target, but it was unknown whether Dortmund would be open to selling him. BILD have now covered the rumour and say there is every chance Dortmund would be open to it, stating that the German side ‘would probably not refuse’ a transfer should it be offered.
Likewise, they claim that Akanji ‘has been dreaming’ of a move to the Premier League for some time, suggesting he would be open to it too. There’s no claim that Leicester have made a bid, or indeed that one is incoming as yet, yet it’s made clear that should it arrive Dortmund would not be completely against selling, and the player would be open to the move too.
That should be enough to convince Leicester this is one they can get over the line before deadline day, all they need to do now is make a bid.
Sport Witness
Dennis Praet, Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans – Leicester City injury latest after enforced subs
Brendan Rodgers was forced to withdraw a trio of players during the victory at the Etihad Stadium, with Praet, Vardy and Evans all hobbling off after receiving treatment
Dennis Praet is the biggest concern of the three Leicester City players who hobbled off during the remarkable 5-2 win over Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder, Jonny Evans and Jamie Vardy all had to be substituted at the Etihad Stadium after receiving treatment.
But while manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Evans and Vardy will be fit to face West Ham next weekend, he says Praet will have to be assessed after twisting his knee.
“Vards I think will be fine,” said Rodgers. “He’s got this hip issue which has been ongoing. It usually settles down after a few days and he works himself back in. He just has this impingement on his hip but we think he’ll be fine.
“Jonny felt his calf tighten up. It was his first game in a long time so we’re hoping that’s all it is.“Dennis, we’ll have to wait and see. It was a twist to his knee, so hopefully that won’t be too serious because, again, I thought he was very good today. He did a lot of dirty work and gave us that quality when we had the ball. So hopefully those three will be okay.”
A spell on the sidelines for Praet would be a blow to City given the midfielder’s fine start to the campaign, the 26-year-old starting all three Premier League matches and showing some excellent link play with his countrymen Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.
City already have two of their key players unavailable through injury. Ricardo Pereira began training on the grass this week for the first time since knee surgery in March, but he is still four or five weeks away from a return to first-team action.
Wilfred Ndidi is the club’s sole long-term absentee, the midfielder suffering a serious groin injury against Burnley, with the Nigerian undergoing an operation last week that is expected to keep him out until close to Christmas.
Leicester Mercury
Brendan Rodgers was forced to withdraw a trio of players during the victory at the Etihad Stadium, with Praet, Vardy and Evans all hobbling off after receiving treatment
Dennis Praet is the biggest concern of the three Leicester City players who hobbled off during the remarkable 5-2 win over Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder, Jonny Evans and Jamie Vardy all had to be substituted at the Etihad Stadium after receiving treatment.
But while manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Evans and Vardy will be fit to face West Ham next weekend, he says Praet will have to be assessed after twisting his knee.
“Vards I think will be fine,” said Rodgers. “He’s got this hip issue which has been ongoing. It usually settles down after a few days and he works himself back in. He just has this impingement on his hip but we think he’ll be fine.
“Jonny felt his calf tighten up. It was his first game in a long time so we’re hoping that’s all it is.“Dennis, we’ll have to wait and see. It was a twist to his knee, so hopefully that won’t be too serious because, again, I thought he was very good today. He did a lot of dirty work and gave us that quality when we had the ball. So hopefully those three will be okay.”
A spell on the sidelines for Praet would be a blow to City given the midfielder’s fine start to the campaign, the 26-year-old starting all three Premier League matches and showing some excellent link play with his countrymen Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.
City already have two of their key players unavailable through injury. Ricardo Pereira began training on the grass this week for the first time since knee surgery in March, but he is still four or five weeks away from a return to first-team action.
Wilfred Ndidi is the club’s sole long-term absentee, the midfielder suffering a serious groin injury against Burnley, with the Nigerian undergoing an operation last week that is expected to keep him out until close to Christmas.
Leicester Mercury
Everton and Leicester interested in Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma with Toffees ‘pushing hard’ to complete £36m transfer
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is wanted in a summer transfer by two of the Blues’ Premier League rivals.
Everton and Leicester are showing interest in France international Zouma, with the Toffees in particular ‘pushing hard’ for the 25-year-old.
This is according to Le10 Sport, who claim Chelsea are prepared to cash in on Zouma having signed Thiago Silva on a free transfer earlier in the summer window.
Zouma actually started Chelsea’s first two matches of the new Premier League season – and scored in their opening weekend defeat of Brighton – but he was the centre-back Frank Lampard chose to drop at Silva’s expense for the recent draw with West Brom.
He wasn’t even in the matchday squad on Saturday evening, and the reports in France suggest a move could be on the cards before the transfer window closes next week.
Everton and Leicester are named in the report as being keen, though the former are most interested having had Zouma on loan in the 2018/19 season.It is added Chelsea are open to selling Zouma, though they are seeking around £36million for the former Saint-Etienne defender who has been on the Blues’ books since 2014.
TalkSport
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is wanted in a summer transfer by two of the Blues’ Premier League rivals.
Everton and Leicester are showing interest in France international Zouma, with the Toffees in particular ‘pushing hard’ for the 25-year-old.
This is according to Le10 Sport, who claim Chelsea are prepared to cash in on Zouma having signed Thiago Silva on a free transfer earlier in the summer window.
Zouma actually started Chelsea’s first two matches of the new Premier League season – and scored in their opening weekend defeat of Brighton – but he was the centre-back Frank Lampard chose to drop at Silva’s expense for the recent draw with West Brom.
He wasn’t even in the matchday squad on Saturday evening, and the reports in France suggest a move could be on the cards before the transfer window closes next week.
Everton and Leicester are named in the report as being keen, though the former are most interested having had Zouma on loan in the 2018/19 season.It is added Chelsea are open to selling Zouma, though they are seeking around £36million for the former Saint-Etienne defender who has been on the Blues’ books since 2014.
TalkSport
Brendan Rodgers gives verdict on Daniel Amartey's Leicester City future amid centre-back search
The Ghana international has played Leicester City's last two matches, making his first appearances for the club in 23 months since breaking his ankle in October 2018
Daniel Amartey will “most definitely” be a part of the Leicester City squad this season after playing his first games in 23 months, but his return to fitness does not change the club's transfer plans. The Ghanaian international played on the right of a back three in City’s Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal, and then in their stunning 5-2 victory at Manchester City on Sunday, showing his strength and defensive awareness to keep Pep Guardiola’s attackers at arm’s length.
After nearly two years on the sidelines recovering from a broken ankle suffered in October 2018, it was suspected that Amartey’s time at the club was coming to the end, and he had been linked with a switch to Fulham. But manager Brendan Rodgers said Amartey will remain in the first-team squad for the campaign, adding that the club are still eager to bring in another centre-back before the window’s deadline in a week’s time.
“I spoke to him briefly in terms of how well he’d been training and then he felt the confidence of coming into the game,” Rodgers said after Amartey helped Leicester return to the top of the Premier League table with victory at the Etihad Stadium. “I wanted to see how he would do because he’d done so well in training. It was no different to Cags, when I came in, he wasn’t in the squad, but he really impressed me in training. Daniel was the same.
“He’s worked his way back to a really good level. He has shown an incredible level of fitness this last week to play against Arsenal and then Manchester City on Wednesday and Sunday in his first games for two years. It shows how hard he’s worked, and the trust I had in him to put him in. It’s a great credit to him and the work he’s done.
“Most definitely (he will be a part of the squad). We still need to strengthen because it’s a long season and if you pick up an injury or two, all of a sudden you’re bare. That’s probably what disrupted us towards the end of last season. “We want to have quality on the field and quality on the outside ready to come in.”
Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans are City’s first-choice centre-backs, now with Amartey and skipper Wes Morgan as back-up. Filip Benkovic is also in the squad, but is expected to be loaned out if City bring in a defender over the next seven days, with the club targeting Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
James Justin and Christian Fuchs can also drop in and play in the outside centre-back roles when Rodgers opts for three men in the middle of defence.
Leicester Mercury
The Ghana international has played Leicester City's last two matches, making his first appearances for the club in 23 months since breaking his ankle in October 2018
Daniel Amartey will “most definitely” be a part of the Leicester City squad this season after playing his first games in 23 months, but his return to fitness does not change the club's transfer plans. The Ghanaian international played on the right of a back three in City’s Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal, and then in their stunning 5-2 victory at Manchester City on Sunday, showing his strength and defensive awareness to keep Pep Guardiola’s attackers at arm’s length.
After nearly two years on the sidelines recovering from a broken ankle suffered in October 2018, it was suspected that Amartey’s time at the club was coming to the end, and he had been linked with a switch to Fulham. But manager Brendan Rodgers said Amartey will remain in the first-team squad for the campaign, adding that the club are still eager to bring in another centre-back before the window’s deadline in a week’s time.
“I spoke to him briefly in terms of how well he’d been training and then he felt the confidence of coming into the game,” Rodgers said after Amartey helped Leicester return to the top of the Premier League table with victory at the Etihad Stadium. “I wanted to see how he would do because he’d done so well in training. It was no different to Cags, when I came in, he wasn’t in the squad, but he really impressed me in training. Daniel was the same.
“He’s worked his way back to a really good level. He has shown an incredible level of fitness this last week to play against Arsenal and then Manchester City on Wednesday and Sunday in his first games for two years. It shows how hard he’s worked, and the trust I had in him to put him in. It’s a great credit to him and the work he’s done.
“Most definitely (he will be a part of the squad). We still need to strengthen because it’s a long season and if you pick up an injury or two, all of a sudden you’re bare. That’s probably what disrupted us towards the end of last season. “We want to have quality on the field and quality on the outside ready to come in.”
Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans are City’s first-choice centre-backs, now with Amartey and skipper Wes Morgan as back-up. Filip Benkovic is also in the squad, but is expected to be loaned out if City bring in a defender over the next seven days, with the club targeting Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
James Justin and Christian Fuchs can also drop in and play in the outside centre-back roles when Rodgers opts for three men in the middle of defence.
Leicester Mercury
Burnley defender, who missed defeat to Southampton with a toe injury, is expected to join Leicester this week
According to The Telegraph, James Tarkowski is expected to join Leicester this week.
The BBC reported that Brendan Rodgers’ side had a bid worth £30 million rejected for the ex-Brentford man, and were prepared to include add-ons in any potential deal.
The Foxes’ offer for the Burnley captain comes after West Ham saw three bids rejected for the centre-back, the last of which was worth £31 million according to Sky Sports.
Despite the Hammers’ best efforts though, it now seems like high-flying Leicester will get their hands on the man who earns £50,000-a-week at Turf Moor, as Spotrac states.
Rodgers’ men have enjoyed a stunning start to the campaign.
They have won their first three Premier League games, most recently dishing out a 5-2 hammering to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
If Leicester needed improving in one area however, it would be at centre-back. Central midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was forced to deputise at centre-back for the Foxes’ first two games, but he is now facing several weeks out with an adductor injury.
Against City, Jonny Evans partnered Çağlar Söyüncü but was forced to leave the field through injury. Wes Morgan is available to Rodgers, although the ex-Nottingham Forest man is arguably past his best at 36 years of age.
The Tarkowski saga has been one of the most active this window, but if The Telegraph are to be believed, it will come to an end this week with West Ham missing out.
HITC
According to The Telegraph, James Tarkowski is expected to join Leicester this week.
The BBC reported that Brendan Rodgers’ side had a bid worth £30 million rejected for the ex-Brentford man, and were prepared to include add-ons in any potential deal.
The Foxes’ offer for the Burnley captain comes after West Ham saw three bids rejected for the centre-back, the last of which was worth £31 million according to Sky Sports.
Despite the Hammers’ best efforts though, it now seems like high-flying Leicester will get their hands on the man who earns £50,000-a-week at Turf Moor, as Spotrac states.
Rodgers’ men have enjoyed a stunning start to the campaign.
They have won their first three Premier League games, most recently dishing out a 5-2 hammering to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
If Leicester needed improving in one area however, it would be at centre-back. Central midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was forced to deputise at centre-back for the Foxes’ first two games, but he is now facing several weeks out with an adductor injury.
Against City, Jonny Evans partnered Çağlar Söyüncü but was forced to leave the field through injury. Wes Morgan is available to Rodgers, although the ex-Nottingham Forest man is arguably past his best at 36 years of age.
The Tarkowski saga has been one of the most active this window, but if The Telegraph are to be believed, it will come to an end this week with West Ham missing out.
HITC
Leeds United eye Leicester City winger Demarai Gray
Leeds United are interested in signing Demarai Gray from Premier League rivals Leicester City in the summer transfer window, according to The Daily Mail.
It has been reported that the 24-year-old winger is on the radar of Leeds, who are also looking to sign Gyrano Kerk from FC Utrecht.
Gray joined Leicester from Birmingham City in January 2016 for a transfer fee of £3.75 million, as reported by The Guardian at the time. Much was expected of the 24-year-old when he arrived at the King Power Stadium, but the winger has not really progressed much during his time at the former Premier League champions.
According to WhoScored, the winger scored two goals and provided three assists in 21 Premier League matches for Leicester last season, although only three of them were starts. Back in 2018-19, the Leicester winger made 23 starts and 11 substitute appearances in the league, according to WhoScored.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa is known for developing talented young players, and Gray could develop a lot if he works under the Argentine. It could be good for the winger if he has a change of scenary and gets a new environment.
SportsLens
Leeds United are interested in signing Demarai Gray from Premier League rivals Leicester City in the summer transfer window, according to The Daily Mail.
It has been reported that the 24-year-old winger is on the radar of Leeds, who are also looking to sign Gyrano Kerk from FC Utrecht.
Gray joined Leicester from Birmingham City in January 2016 for a transfer fee of £3.75 million, as reported by The Guardian at the time. Much was expected of the 24-year-old when he arrived at the King Power Stadium, but the winger has not really progressed much during his time at the former Premier League champions.
According to WhoScored, the winger scored two goals and provided three assists in 21 Premier League matches for Leicester last season, although only three of them were starts. Back in 2018-19, the Leicester winger made 23 starts and 11 substitute appearances in the league, according to WhoScored.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa is known for developing talented young players, and Gray could develop a lot if he works under the Argentine. It could be good for the winger if he has a change of scenary and gets a new environment.
SportsLens
Leicester boss Rodgers admits Foxes midfielder who is interesting Luton could leave on loan
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could leave the club on loan during the transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who has come through the ranks at the King Power Stadium, is a player that Luton chief Nathan Jones revealed recently was someone that was on his radar. Dewsbury-Hall made his first start for the Foxes during the Carabao Cup third round clash against Arsenal last week, playing 76 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.
With City, who trounced Manchester City 5-2 in the Premier League yesterday, looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the window closing next month, Rodgers could look to let Dewsbury-Hall move away for first team football, even though the Foxes are also in the Europa League this season. The Shepshed-born youngster had a successful spell at League One Blackpool last term, scoring four goals in 10 games, as speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Rodgers said: “We’ll see over the course of the next week or so.
“He’s a young player I’ve been really impressed with. “It just depends on what we’re going to bring in. There’s a lot of games this season, so we may need him around.
“If he stays around, I’m sure he’ll get some game-time. “If we feel he’s not going to contribute, then we’ll put him out on loan. We haven’t made a final decision on that.
“The idea was to get him in tonight, into the area, to get playing, and I thought he did very well.”
Jones, who has previously stated he isn’t keen on bringing a player in on loan, despite agreeing a season-long deal for Sheffield United full back Rhys Norrington-Davies, said of the midfielder: “He’s been on my radar for a long time Kiernan, I know him very well and I’ve watched him 10 times. I really, really like him, I think he’s an excellent midfielder, but he’s a Leicester player so it would be wrong for me to comment on him.
“But I do know him very, very well, I watched him for Leicester, watched him for Blackpool and he’s a player I do think has a fantastic future.”
Luton Today
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could leave the club on loan during the transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who has come through the ranks at the King Power Stadium, is a player that Luton chief Nathan Jones revealed recently was someone that was on his radar. Dewsbury-Hall made his first start for the Foxes during the Carabao Cup third round clash against Arsenal last week, playing 76 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.
With City, who trounced Manchester City 5-2 in the Premier League yesterday, looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the window closing next month, Rodgers could look to let Dewsbury-Hall move away for first team football, even though the Foxes are also in the Europa League this season. The Shepshed-born youngster had a successful spell at League One Blackpool last term, scoring four goals in 10 games, as speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Rodgers said: “We’ll see over the course of the next week or so.
“He’s a young player I’ve been really impressed with. “It just depends on what we’re going to bring in. There’s a lot of games this season, so we may need him around.
“If he stays around, I’m sure he’ll get some game-time. “If we feel he’s not going to contribute, then we’ll put him out on loan. We haven’t made a final decision on that.
“The idea was to get him in tonight, into the area, to get playing, and I thought he did very well.”
Jones, who has previously stated he isn’t keen on bringing a player in on loan, despite agreeing a season-long deal for Sheffield United full back Rhys Norrington-Davies, said of the midfielder: “He’s been on my radar for a long time Kiernan, I know him very well and I’ve watched him 10 times. I really, really like him, I think he’s an excellent midfielder, but he’s a Leicester player so it would be wrong for me to comment on him.
“But I do know him very, very well, I watched him for Leicester, watched him for Blackpool and he’s a player I do think has a fantastic future.”
Luton Today
Manchester City 2-5 Leicester City
A Jamie Vardy hat-trick inspired visitors Leicester to a stunning victory over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Vardy, the first player to score a Premier League treble against Pep Gurdiola's side since he also did so in December 2016, converted a penalty either side of a clever, flicked finish over goalkeeper Ederson from Timothy Castagne's low cross.
Former Foxes midfielder Riyad Mahrez had put the hosts ahead after four minutes, smashing a sublime first-time strike into the top corner.
However, the hosts were pegged back before half-time as Vardy blasted his first spot-kick into the roof of the net after he had been fouled by Kyle Walker.
The 33-year-old striker - last season's top scorer - put the visitors in front nine minutes after the restart from summer signing Castagne's pass, before winning a second penalty from Eric Garcia, which he drilled into the bottom corner.
In an eventful finale, James Maddison nestled an excellent 25-yard strike into the top corner to seemingly put the result beyond doubt - but Nathan Ake headed in his first Manchester City goal to offer a glimmer of hope.
That hope was extinguished just four minutes later, though, as - with Vardy substituted off - Youri Tielemans scored Leicester's third penalty after Maddison was pulled back by Benjamin Mendy.
Brendan Rodgers' side move top of the table following a third successive win to start the season.
BBC Sport
A Jamie Vardy hat-trick inspired visitors Leicester to a stunning victory over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Vardy, the first player to score a Premier League treble against Pep Gurdiola's side since he also did so in December 2016, converted a penalty either side of a clever, flicked finish over goalkeeper Ederson from Timothy Castagne's low cross.
Former Foxes midfielder Riyad Mahrez had put the hosts ahead after four minutes, smashing a sublime first-time strike into the top corner.
However, the hosts were pegged back before half-time as Vardy blasted his first spot-kick into the roof of the net after he had been fouled by Kyle Walker.
The 33-year-old striker - last season's top scorer - put the visitors in front nine minutes after the restart from summer signing Castagne's pass, before winning a second penalty from Eric Garcia, which he drilled into the bottom corner.
In an eventful finale, James Maddison nestled an excellent 25-yard strike into the top corner to seemingly put the result beyond doubt - but Nathan Ake headed in his first Manchester City goal to offer a glimmer of hope.
That hope was extinguished just four minutes later, though, as - with Vardy substituted off - Youri Tielemans scored Leicester's third penalty after Maddison was pulled back by Benjamin Mendy.
Brendan Rodgers' side move top of the table following a third successive win to start the season.
BBC Sport
Brendan Rodgers keen for Leicester defender Jonny Evans to sign new deal
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers hopes Jonny Evans will soon commit to the club by signing a new contract.
The Northern Ireland defender is expected to be drafted straight back into the side for Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester City. The return to fitness of 32-year-old Evans comes as makeshift centre-back Wilfred Ndidi is set to be out for up to three months with an abductor injury which will need surgery.
Evans has now served a suspension following his sending-off against former club Manchester United at the end of last season and recovered from a thigh strain picked up while on international duty.Despite being linked with a number of centre-backs during the transfer window - including Burnley's James Tarkowski, St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana and Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah - Rodgers remains keen to keep hold of Evans, whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2021."Our intention was to get through to the end of the season then the club and Jonny's agent would pick it up from there," Rodgers said.
"He is clearly a player I would love to keep here. He has been absolutely brilliant, not just in the games but in training with setting the standards and the mentality.
"I believe the discussion will go on between Jonny's agent and the club, and hopefully we can find a solution to keeping him here." Allowing Evans to depart should an unexpected bid come in before the end of the transfer window is "absolutely not" in the thinking of the Leicester boss.
"I have always said he has got a brain of the very top level, Jonny, and has great experience," Rodgers added. "He really helps the players around him when he is playing. To have someone of that calibre around the training ground and in the games for us is very important.
"You can never underestimate his qualities and what he brings to us as a team, how we perform, and I am just glad he is back." As for Ndidi, Rodgers hopes he will come back stronger following his latest injury blow.
"To be out having had a period out last season is obviously disappointing for him," the Leicester boss said.
Sky Sports
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers hopes Jonny Evans will soon commit to the club by signing a new contract.
The Northern Ireland defender is expected to be drafted straight back into the side for Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester City. The return to fitness of 32-year-old Evans comes as makeshift centre-back Wilfred Ndidi is set to be out for up to three months with an abductor injury which will need surgery.
Evans has now served a suspension following his sending-off against former club Manchester United at the end of last season and recovered from a thigh strain picked up while on international duty.Despite being linked with a number of centre-backs during the transfer window - including Burnley's James Tarkowski, St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana and Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah - Rodgers remains keen to keep hold of Evans, whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2021."Our intention was to get through to the end of the season then the club and Jonny's agent would pick it up from there," Rodgers said.
"He is clearly a player I would love to keep here. He has been absolutely brilliant, not just in the games but in training with setting the standards and the mentality.
"I believe the discussion will go on between Jonny's agent and the club, and hopefully we can find a solution to keeping him here." Allowing Evans to depart should an unexpected bid come in before the end of the transfer window is "absolutely not" in the thinking of the Leicester boss.
"I have always said he has got a brain of the very top level, Jonny, and has great experience," Rodgers added. "He really helps the players around him when he is playing. To have someone of that calibre around the training ground and in the games for us is very important.
"You can never underestimate his qualities and what he brings to us as a team, how we perform, and I am just glad he is back." As for Ndidi, Rodgers hopes he will come back stronger following his latest injury blow.
"To be out having had a period out last season is obviously disappointing for him," the Leicester boss said.
Sky Sports
Leicester City In For West Ham Target James Tarkowski
Leicester City have gone in with an offer in excess of £30m for West Ham United target James Tarkowski, according to the Daily Telegraph.
West Ham have failed with multiple offers for Tarkowski in the transfer window and now Leicester are attempting to work out a deal with Burnley for the centre-back. It is claimed that Tarkowski is keen on making the move to the King Power Stadium if terms can be agreed between the clubs.
Burnley want £50m in order to sanction Tarkowski’s departure from Turf Moor, but Leicester are hoping the Clarets will accept the changed football landscape and agree to a compromise deal. If Leicester can agree a deal for Tarkowski, it remains to be seen if West Ham also return to the negotiating table to rival the Foxes for his signature.
Both Leicester and West Ham have also been trying to land Saint-Etienne centre-back Wesley Fofana.
Saint-Etienne do not want to lose their highly rated defender and have so far stood firm in the face of big money offers from the two Premier League clubs.
Insidefutbol.com / Daily Telegraph
Leicester City have gone in with an offer in excess of £30m for West Ham United target James Tarkowski, according to the Daily Telegraph.
West Ham have failed with multiple offers for Tarkowski in the transfer window and now Leicester are attempting to work out a deal with Burnley for the centre-back. It is claimed that Tarkowski is keen on making the move to the King Power Stadium if terms can be agreed between the clubs.
Burnley want £50m in order to sanction Tarkowski’s departure from Turf Moor, but Leicester are hoping the Clarets will accept the changed football landscape and agree to a compromise deal. If Leicester can agree a deal for Tarkowski, it remains to be seen if West Ham also return to the negotiating table to rival the Foxes for his signature.
Both Leicester and West Ham have also been trying to land Saint-Etienne centre-back Wesley Fofana.
Saint-Etienne do not want to lose their highly rated defender and have so far stood firm in the face of big money offers from the two Premier League clubs.
Insidefutbol.com / Daily Telegraph
'We're limited' – Brendan Rodgers makes Leicester City transfer admission
The Leicester City boss sounded doubtful that the club possess the financial might to bring in further attacking recruits before the transfer window closes on October 5
Leicester City are unlikely to have the financial resources to strengthen further in attack this transfer window, Brendan Rodgers has admitted. Although City had the depth to ring 11 changes in their defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the fresh legs could not find the net and continue the scoring streak that saw Rodgers’ men hit seven goals in their opening two Premier League fixtures.
In talisman forward Jamie Vardy and his deputy Kelechi Iheanacho, who led the line on Wednesday night, City have just two out-and-out strikers, but with Ayoze Perez, and to an extent Harvey Barnes and Demarai Gray, they do have a few other options up front. Rodgers said that group was unlikely to be added to because City simply don’t have the financial might.
“I’m not sure we’ll have the resources for that,” Rodgers said when asked if he was hopeful of signing a striker. “We’re limited in what we can do. “We’ll work with the players who are here. Jamie wasn’t involved tonight, and Ayo can play up there.
“If you look at our first two games, we’ve scored seven goals. We didn’t quite make the breakthrough tonight. We had chances, we could have gone in front with a great goal from James (Maddison). It didn’t happen but that’s sometimes how it goes for you.
“We’ll have a look in the market and see what we can do but we’ll be limited to what we can do.”City have so far made two signings this transfer window, versatile full-back Timothy Castagne arriving from Atalanta in an £18m deal, while winger Cengiz Under has been brought in on loan from Roma.
The club’s priority over the final 10 days of the window is to sign a centre-back, with Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana the main target.
Leicester Mercury
The Leicester City boss sounded doubtful that the club possess the financial might to bring in further attacking recruits before the transfer window closes on October 5
Leicester City are unlikely to have the financial resources to strengthen further in attack this transfer window, Brendan Rodgers has admitted. Although City had the depth to ring 11 changes in their defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the fresh legs could not find the net and continue the scoring streak that saw Rodgers’ men hit seven goals in their opening two Premier League fixtures.
In talisman forward Jamie Vardy and his deputy Kelechi Iheanacho, who led the line on Wednesday night, City have just two out-and-out strikers, but with Ayoze Perez, and to an extent Harvey Barnes and Demarai Gray, they do have a few other options up front. Rodgers said that group was unlikely to be added to because City simply don’t have the financial might.
“I’m not sure we’ll have the resources for that,” Rodgers said when asked if he was hopeful of signing a striker. “We’re limited in what we can do. “We’ll work with the players who are here. Jamie wasn’t involved tonight, and Ayo can play up there.
“If you look at our first two games, we’ve scored seven goals. We didn’t quite make the breakthrough tonight. We had chances, we could have gone in front with a great goal from James (Maddison). It didn’t happen but that’s sometimes how it goes for you.
“We’ll have a look in the market and see what we can do but we’ll be limited to what we can do.”City have so far made two signings this transfer window, versatile full-back Timothy Castagne arriving from Atalanta in an £18m deal, while winger Cengiz Under has been brought in on loan from Roma.
The club’s priority over the final 10 days of the window is to sign a centre-back, with Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana the main target.
Leicester Mercury
Southampton’s rumoured transfer target Hamza Choudhury wants permanent move from Leicester
Saints’ rumoured transfer target Hamza Choudhury reportedly wants a permanent move away from Leicester City.
Southampton appear to be on the hunt for a central midfielder to fill the void left by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in August.
Everton’s Tom Davies is the most recent player in that position to be linked to a Saints move. However, a previously-linked target, Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, is reportedly looking for a move away from the Foxes.
Earlier in September, the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath linked Southampton with Choudhury.Now, talkSPORT is reporting that the 22-year-old wants a permanent move away from the King Power Stadium after falling down the pecking order under Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers.
Currently, Nampalys Mendy is preferred by Leicester over Choudhury. Choudhury, who has seven England caps at Under-21 level, made 20 appearances for Leicester in the Premier League last season, scoring once.
St Marys musings
Saints’ rumoured transfer target Hamza Choudhury reportedly wants a permanent move away from Leicester City.
Southampton appear to be on the hunt for a central midfielder to fill the void left by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in August.
Everton’s Tom Davies is the most recent player in that position to be linked to a Saints move. However, a previously-linked target, Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, is reportedly looking for a move away from the Foxes.
Earlier in September, the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath linked Southampton with Choudhury.Now, talkSPORT is reporting that the 22-year-old wants a permanent move away from the King Power Stadium after falling down the pecking order under Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers.
Currently, Nampalys Mendy is preferred by Leicester over Choudhury. Choudhury, who has seven England caps at Under-21 level, made 20 appearances for Leicester in the Premier League last season, scoring once.
St Marys musings
Leicester City player to have medical tonight ahead of transfer
A Spor’s Trabzonspor reporter Yunus Emre Sel has reported, as covered by Fotomac, Leicester City’s Fousseni Diabate will arrive in today arrive in Turkey ahead of his imminent move to the Super Lig club.
Yesterday it was reported that Karadeniz Firtinasi were on the verge of signing the Leicester City winger after reaching an agreement with the Foxes.
Sel reports Trabzonspor’s scouting team identified the 24 year old as a target, and his versatility played a key role in their decision to pursue him.
The Turkish journalist adds the player will have his medical tonight and if all goes to plan he will be officially confirmed as a Trabzonspor player. It’s claimed their technical staff want him to be available for this weekend’s league game against Yeni Malatyaspor.
Diabate had a loan spell during the second half of 2018/19 season at Sivasspor, during which he impressed. He made 17 appearances for the Super Lig side, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Following his performances, he was linked with a return to Turkey, but Leicester City decided to send him out on loan to French side Amiens last season.
Sport Witness
A Spor’s Trabzonspor reporter Yunus Emre Sel has reported, as covered by Fotomac, Leicester City’s Fousseni Diabate will arrive in today arrive in Turkey ahead of his imminent move to the Super Lig club.
Yesterday it was reported that Karadeniz Firtinasi were on the verge of signing the Leicester City winger after reaching an agreement with the Foxes.
Sel reports Trabzonspor’s scouting team identified the 24 year old as a target, and his versatility played a key role in their decision to pursue him.
The Turkish journalist adds the player will have his medical tonight and if all goes to plan he will be officially confirmed as a Trabzonspor player. It’s claimed their technical staff want him to be available for this weekend’s league game against Yeni Malatyaspor.
Diabate had a loan spell during the second half of 2018/19 season at Sivasspor, during which he impressed. He made 17 appearances for the Super Lig side, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Following his performances, he was linked with a return to Turkey, but Leicester City decided to send him out on loan to French side Amiens last season.
Sport Witness
Leicester City Mull Offering Player In Deal To Land West Ham Target
Leicester City could offer a player to Saint-Etienne to unlock the negotiations leading towards 19-year-old centre-back Wesley Fofana, who is also wanted by West Ham United.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester like the young French defender and are pushing hard to take him to the King Power Stadium in the ongoing transfer window.
They have a deal in place with Fofana and the player has been open about the desire to join Leicester where a lucrative five-year contract awaits for him.But Saint-Etienne have rejected three bids from the Foxes and Claude Puel is clear about not selling the young centre-back before the end of the current season; West Ham have now also gone in with a bid for Fofana.
The Saint-Etienne general manager has the board on his side, but according to French sports daily L’Equipe, Leicester are now preparing to use a new tactic.The Foxes have been left frustrated by Saint-Etienne’s stance, but they are keen to try again to land Fofana.
It has been claimed that Leicester are ready to include a player as part of the negotiations to land Fofana from Saint-Etienne.Rodgers is a big fan of the young centre-back and wants to land him before he becomes too expensive for Leicester.
It remains to be seen whether Saint-Etienne are prepared to stick to their guns and keep Fofana until next summer and how West Ham entering the chase affects things.
Insidefutbol.com
Leicester City could offer a player to Saint-Etienne to unlock the negotiations leading towards 19-year-old centre-back Wesley Fofana, who is also wanted by West Ham United.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester like the young French defender and are pushing hard to take him to the King Power Stadium in the ongoing transfer window.
They have a deal in place with Fofana and the player has been open about the desire to join Leicester where a lucrative five-year contract awaits for him.But Saint-Etienne have rejected three bids from the Foxes and Claude Puel is clear about not selling the young centre-back before the end of the current season; West Ham have now also gone in with a bid for Fofana.
The Saint-Etienne general manager has the board on his side, but according to French sports daily L’Equipe, Leicester are now preparing to use a new tactic.The Foxes have been left frustrated by Saint-Etienne’s stance, but they are keen to try again to land Fofana.
It has been claimed that Leicester are ready to include a player as part of the negotiations to land Fofana from Saint-Etienne.Rodgers is a big fan of the young centre-back and wants to land him before he becomes too expensive for Leicester.
It remains to be seen whether Saint-Etienne are prepared to stick to their guns and keep Fofana until next summer and how West Ham entering the chase affects things.
Insidefutbol.com
Club far more likely to accept Leicester offer for player with loan clause – Ahead of competition
One of the more exciting, if you will, transfer sagas of this late window has been Leicester City’s attempts to sign Wesley Fofana from Saint-Étienne.
The youngster appears to have become an important target for Brendan Rodgers, which has turned the player’s head, who made it very clear he wanted the move to King Power Stadium.
Claude Puel, his manager in France, refuses to let his starlet go, and is being backed by his board for the time being. However, one thing could change it all, according to L’Equipe, which is that Saint-Étienne could be more inclined to let the 19-year-old go if he was loaned back to them, much like what happened between them and Arsenal for William Saliba.
This, they state, ‘would change everything in the eyes of the club’s board’, but the Foxes have yet to put that forward. They do, however, believe that ‘failing that, the English club could offer an international defender in the transaction’.
Either way, Leicester have bid €32m, and remain ‘in pole’ over the other competition, which is comprised of RB Leipzig and Milan, who ‘should come back’ with renewed offers of €25m. Still, the Premier League side now know what they have to do if they want Fofana, but that would mean Rodgers waiting another year to get his man.
Sport Witness
One of the more exciting, if you will, transfer sagas of this late window has been Leicester City’s attempts to sign Wesley Fofana from Saint-Étienne.
The youngster appears to have become an important target for Brendan Rodgers, which has turned the player’s head, who made it very clear he wanted the move to King Power Stadium.
Claude Puel, his manager in France, refuses to let his starlet go, and is being backed by his board for the time being. However, one thing could change it all, according to L’Equipe, which is that Saint-Étienne could be more inclined to let the 19-year-old go if he was loaned back to them, much like what happened between them and Arsenal for William Saliba.
This, they state, ‘would change everything in the eyes of the club’s board’, but the Foxes have yet to put that forward. They do, however, believe that ‘failing that, the English club could offer an international defender in the transaction’.
Either way, Leicester have bid €32m, and remain ‘in pole’ over the other competition, which is comprised of RB Leipzig and Milan, who ‘should come back’ with renewed offers of €25m. Still, the Premier League side now know what they have to do if they want Fofana, but that would mean Rodgers waiting another year to get his man.
Sport Witness
Rodgers Confirms Wilfred Ndidi Injury
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi could miss ‘six to 12 weeks’ of action after picking up an abductor injury against Burnley on Sunday evening, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
- The City No.25 operated at centre-back in the 4-2 victory on Filbert Way
- The Foxes exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday following a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the third round
Speaking following the Foxes’ 2-0 Carabao Cup Third Round defeat by Arsenal, Rodgers told the media that the Nigeria international sustained the injury during the 4-2 Premier League win over the Clarets at King Power Stadium.
Ndidi, who has played at centre-back in City’s two 2020/21 Premier League matches, was not involved in Wednesday’s clash.
He said: “We’re just waiting to hear more on that, but he could be anything between six and 12 weeks. It’s an abductor which may have come off the bone.
“It’s quite a nasty injury, so we’re waiting to see if he needs an operation or not. If it’s an operation, then he’ll be at least 12 weeks.”
LCFC.COM
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi could miss ‘six to 12 weeks’ of action after picking up an abductor injury against Burnley on Sunday evening, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
- The City No.25 operated at centre-back in the 4-2 victory on Filbert Way
- The Foxes exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday following a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the third round
Speaking following the Foxes’ 2-0 Carabao Cup Third Round defeat by Arsenal, Rodgers told the media that the Nigeria international sustained the injury during the 4-2 Premier League win over the Clarets at King Power Stadium.
Ndidi, who has played at centre-back in City’s two 2020/21 Premier League matches, was not involved in Wednesday’s clash.
He said: “We’re just waiting to hear more on that, but he could be anything between six and 12 weeks. It’s an abductor which may have come off the bone.
“It’s quite a nasty injury, so we’re waiting to see if he needs an operation or not. If it’s an operation, then he’ll be at least 12 weeks.”
LCFC.COM
LEICESTER CITY 0-2 ARSENAL
A Christian Fuchs own goal and Eddie Nketiah's poked finish gave Arsenal victory over Leicester City and set up a potential Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool.
There was little Fuchs could do as Nicolas Pepe's angled effort hit him after coming off the post and went in. Nketiah settled the tie in the closing stages, stabbing in after fine work from substitute Hector Bellerin.
Earlier, City's James Maddison hit the post on his first start of 2020-21. Arsenal will play Liverpool in round four if the Premier League champions beat League One Lincoln on Thursday.
Wednesday's result continued the Gunners' impressive start to the season, during which they have won the Community Shield on penalties and secured back-to-back Premier League victories. Manager Mikel Arteta made seven changes but still fielded a strong side, indicating the squad depth the Spaniard has contributed to putting together for this campaign.
That includes previously maligned club record signing Pepe, who was solid without being spectacular on Wednesday, but played a key role in the opening goal with a good run and persistence at the end of it. Bukayo Saka again demonstrated his readiness for regular first-team action, while Nketiah remains a predatory finisher.
He almost scored with a chip that Wes Morgan headed off the line, before he did settle the tie by prodding the ball past Danny Ward from close range. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers changed his entire first XI from the one that started the Premier League win over Burnley on Sunday.
Despite the defeat, there were some positives for him to take, chief among them the display of Maddison, who is still finding his feet after missing the last six Premier League games of last season with a hip injury. As in his cameos in the Foxes' league matches this season, he looked sharp in his attacking midfield role, regularly finding space and threatening to open up the Gunners defence.
His most striking contribution came near the end of the first half when he bought himself space on the edge of the box and spotted Bernd Leno off his line - but his curling, lobbed effort hit the post.
However, he could not influence the result, which was inevitable after substitute Ayoze Perez had headed a great chance wide just before Nketiah got Arsenal's second.
BBC Sport
A Christian Fuchs own goal and Eddie Nketiah's poked finish gave Arsenal victory over Leicester City and set up a potential Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool.
There was little Fuchs could do as Nicolas Pepe's angled effort hit him after coming off the post and went in. Nketiah settled the tie in the closing stages, stabbing in after fine work from substitute Hector Bellerin.
Earlier, City's James Maddison hit the post on his first start of 2020-21. Arsenal will play Liverpool in round four if the Premier League champions beat League One Lincoln on Thursday.
Wednesday's result continued the Gunners' impressive start to the season, during which they have won the Community Shield on penalties and secured back-to-back Premier League victories. Manager Mikel Arteta made seven changes but still fielded a strong side, indicating the squad depth the Spaniard has contributed to putting together for this campaign.
That includes previously maligned club record signing Pepe, who was solid without being spectacular on Wednesday, but played a key role in the opening goal with a good run and persistence at the end of it. Bukayo Saka again demonstrated his readiness for regular first-team action, while Nketiah remains a predatory finisher.
He almost scored with a chip that Wes Morgan headed off the line, before he did settle the tie by prodding the ball past Danny Ward from close range. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers changed his entire first XI from the one that started the Premier League win over Burnley on Sunday.
Despite the defeat, there were some positives for him to take, chief among them the display of Maddison, who is still finding his feet after missing the last six Premier League games of last season with a hip injury. As in his cameos in the Foxes' league matches this season, he looked sharp in his attacking midfield role, regularly finding space and threatening to open up the Gunners defence.
His most striking contribution came near the end of the first half when he bought himself space on the edge of the box and spotted Bernd Leno off his line - but his curling, lobbed effort hit the post.
However, he could not influence the result, which was inevitable after substitute Ayoze Perez had headed a great chance wide just before Nketiah got Arsenal's second.
BBC Sport
Wesley Fofana: Leicester in talks to sign defender from St Etienne
Leicester's priority remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski
Leicester are in talks with St Etienne over a deal for central defender Wesley Fofana. The 19-year-old was left out of the St Etienne squad to play Nantes on Sunday evening, having previously been named by manager Claude Puel in the original larger group that travelled to Nantes.
Fofana, who made 24 appearances for St Etienne in a breakthrough campaign last year, has been vocal on social media of his desire to move to Leicester. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to comment publicly on his interest in Fofana, but Sky Sports News has been told negotiations with the French club are progressing.
St Etienne originally wanted £25m for Fofana, significantly beyond what Leicester are willing to pay to bring him to the King Power Stadium. A structured deal appears most likely, potentially starting with a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Leicester's priority in the transfer market remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski. Sky Sports News has been told that the two clubs have been in regular contact but remain apart on their valuations of the 27-year-old.
Rodgers wants to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on October 5 and has been interested in signing Tarkowski since Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United last summer. West Ham are also keen to sign Tarkowski and have had three offers turned down by Burnley.
Sky Sports
Leicester's priority remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski
Leicester are in talks with St Etienne over a deal for central defender Wesley Fofana. The 19-year-old was left out of the St Etienne squad to play Nantes on Sunday evening, having previously been named by manager Claude Puel in the original larger group that travelled to Nantes.
Fofana, who made 24 appearances for St Etienne in a breakthrough campaign last year, has been vocal on social media of his desire to move to Leicester. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to comment publicly on his interest in Fofana, but Sky Sports News has been told negotiations with the French club are progressing.
St Etienne originally wanted £25m for Fofana, significantly beyond what Leicester are willing to pay to bring him to the King Power Stadium. A structured deal appears most likely, potentially starting with a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Leicester's priority in the transfer market remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski. Sky Sports News has been told that the two clubs have been in regular contact but remain apart on their valuations of the 27-year-old.
Rodgers wants to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on October 5 and has been interested in signing Tarkowski since Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United last summer. West Ham are also keen to sign Tarkowski and have had three offers turned down by Burnley.
Sky Sports
Leicester City 'enter race' to sign Tottenham target
The South Korean is attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A
Leicester City have reportedly entered the race to sign in-demand South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. Tottenham and Lazio are said to have had bids turned down for the 23-year-old, who plays for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League and has been capped 30 times by his country.
According to 90min.com, the Foxes are now interested in signing the player, who is nicknamed ‘The Monster’.
Signing a central defender is a priority for Brendan Rodgers, who has been hit with an injury crisis in the position.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been deployed as an emergency centre-back in the opening two Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, partnering Caglar Soyuncu in the heart of defence.
Leicester remain keen on Wesley Fofana, but St Etienne are desperate to keep the young defender, prompting Rodgers to explore other options. Spurs, who are said to have bid £12million for Kim, remain favourites to sign the player, who has received a glowing endorsement from South Korea teammate Son Heung-min.
Leicester Mercury
The South Korean is attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A
Leicester City have reportedly entered the race to sign in-demand South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. Tottenham and Lazio are said to have had bids turned down for the 23-year-old, who plays for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League and has been capped 30 times by his country.
According to 90min.com, the Foxes are now interested in signing the player, who is nicknamed ‘The Monster’.
Signing a central defender is a priority for Brendan Rodgers, who has been hit with an injury crisis in the position.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been deployed as an emergency centre-back in the opening two Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, partnering Caglar Soyuncu in the heart of defence.
Leicester remain keen on Wesley Fofana, but St Etienne are desperate to keep the young defender, prompting Rodgers to explore other options. Spurs, who are said to have bid £12million for Kim, remain favourites to sign the player, who has received a glowing endorsement from South Korea teammate Son Heung-min.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester came from behind to maintain their 100% Premier League start against an under-strength Burnley side at the King Power Stadium.
The result lifts Leicester to the top of the Premier League for the first time since they won the title in 2015-16.
It also gave Brendan Rodgers his 100th win as a Premier League manager in his 210th game - Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan the only British managers to have reached the landmark in fewer matches.
Chris Wood opened the scoring for Sean Dyche's side, firing into the bottom left corner after outmuscling home defender James Justin at the far post. But the Foxes, who enjoyed the majority of possession against opponents who were missing several first-team players, immediately responded with Harvey Barnes' placed effort drawing them level.
Erik Pieters' own goal put the hosts ahead after the break with Justin doubling their advantage.Top-flight debutant Jimmy Dunne raised hopes of a Burnley recovery when he headed in Dwight McNeil's left-wing delivery, but Dennis Praet's superb 20-yard strike into the top-right corner put the gloss on Leicester's win.While Burnley's determination and desire was admirable, in the end it proved no match for Leicester's fluid attacking play and extra sharpness.
The home side controlled the ball throughout with Barnes and Belgian midfielder Praet coming to the fore on the left of midfield. Whether it was going directly up against Burnley right-back Phil Bardsley or moving intelligently into infield positions, Barnes' movement and pace was a key ingredient of Leicester's attacking play. His placed effort to equalise was a show of composure as Burnley defenders reacted to Castagne's cut-back.
And he forced a wonderful save from Pope at the end of a teasing run in off the left wing that Bardsley could do little to prevent. The England U21 international had more shots (five) than any other Leicester player but his final contribution of the evening was significant one in another way, as he skipped away from three defenders to pick out Praet who did the rest with a sublime effort.
Dyche has repeatedly talked about the need for Burnley to add to their squad since top-flight football returned in June and conceded that they would be "stretched to the limit" for this fixture. And although he will be disappointed by the outcome and the unfortunate manner in which they fell behind, Pieters inadvertently deflecting Timothy Castagne's cross past Nick Pope, he would have been delighted by the application of his depleted team.
Already without five first-choice players and at the physical disadvantage of having not played last weekend, the Clarets' task was made harder when midfielder Robbie Brady went off with a rib injury during the first half.
But there were plenty of positives, with Dyche's side managing more efforts on goal than the hosts and threatening to set up a tense finale when Wood hit the post late on.
Dunne, 22, also acquitted himself well in the absence of Ben Mee and James Tarkowksi at the heart of the Burnley defence, his eight clearances more than any other player on the pitch.
BBC Sport
The result lifts Leicester to the top of the Premier League for the first time since they won the title in 2015-16.
It also gave Brendan Rodgers his 100th win as a Premier League manager in his 210th game - Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan the only British managers to have reached the landmark in fewer matches.
Chris Wood opened the scoring for Sean Dyche's side, firing into the bottom left corner after outmuscling home defender James Justin at the far post. But the Foxes, who enjoyed the majority of possession against opponents who were missing several first-team players, immediately responded with Harvey Barnes' placed effort drawing them level.
Erik Pieters' own goal put the hosts ahead after the break with Justin doubling their advantage.Top-flight debutant Jimmy Dunne raised hopes of a Burnley recovery when he headed in Dwight McNeil's left-wing delivery, but Dennis Praet's superb 20-yard strike into the top-right corner put the gloss on Leicester's win.While Burnley's determination and desire was admirable, in the end it proved no match for Leicester's fluid attacking play and extra sharpness.
The home side controlled the ball throughout with Barnes and Belgian midfielder Praet coming to the fore on the left of midfield. Whether it was going directly up against Burnley right-back Phil Bardsley or moving intelligently into infield positions, Barnes' movement and pace was a key ingredient of Leicester's attacking play. His placed effort to equalise was a show of composure as Burnley defenders reacted to Castagne's cut-back.
And he forced a wonderful save from Pope at the end of a teasing run in off the left wing that Bardsley could do little to prevent. The England U21 international had more shots (five) than any other Leicester player but his final contribution of the evening was significant one in another way, as he skipped away from three defenders to pick out Praet who did the rest with a sublime effort.
Dyche has repeatedly talked about the need for Burnley to add to their squad since top-flight football returned in June and conceded that they would be "stretched to the limit" for this fixture. And although he will be disappointed by the outcome and the unfortunate manner in which they fell behind, Pieters inadvertently deflecting Timothy Castagne's cross past Nick Pope, he would have been delighted by the application of his depleted team.
Already without five first-choice players and at the physical disadvantage of having not played last weekend, the Clarets' task was made harder when midfielder Robbie Brady went off with a rib injury during the first half.
But there were plenty of positives, with Dyche's side managing more efforts on goal than the hosts and threatening to set up a tense finale when Wood hit the post late on.
Dunne, 22, also acquitted himself well in the absence of Ben Mee and James Tarkowksi at the heart of the Burnley defence, his eight clearances more than any other player on the pitch.
BBC Sport
Cengiz Under: Leicester sign winger from Roma on season-long loan
Turkey international Under has scored 17 goals in 88 games for Roma
Leicester have signed Cengiz Under from Roma on a season-long loan with an option to buy the winger next summer. Initial discussions over a deal to sign Under stalled as the two clubs struggled to reach an agreement on whether there would be an obligation to buy the Turkey international at the end of his loan spell.
Leicester are not obligated to purchase the player but can make an assessment at the end of his time at the club, with a fee of around £22m likely. A loan fee of £2.7m had been agreed for the 23-year-old, according to Sky in Italy, but Roma wanted Leicester to commit to buying him in a year's time.
However, a deal has now been concluded and Under will join Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers' side for the 2020/21 season. Speaking at a press conference on September 18, Rodgers said the club were in the market for a "different type" of player in the final third. "He's a very good player," he said of Under. "We need a different type of attacking player. Having watched him, he's clearly a talented player.
"We have pace and power at the top end, but we also need some more football in there."We need someone who can beat someone in a one-v-one, we need someone who can break down defences who are organised, when it's tight. That's the profile we're looking at."
Under is a left-footed winger who has primarily operated on the right wing for Roma since arriving from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017. He has scored 17 goals in 88 games for the Serie A club, but he has failed to hold down a first-team place during his three years in the capital.
Sky Sports
Turkey international Under has scored 17 goals in 88 games for Roma
Leicester have signed Cengiz Under from Roma on a season-long loan with an option to buy the winger next summer. Initial discussions over a deal to sign Under stalled as the two clubs struggled to reach an agreement on whether there would be an obligation to buy the Turkey international at the end of his loan spell.
Leicester are not obligated to purchase the player but can make an assessment at the end of his time at the club, with a fee of around £22m likely. A loan fee of £2.7m had been agreed for the 23-year-old, according to Sky in Italy, but Roma wanted Leicester to commit to buying him in a year's time.
However, a deal has now been concluded and Under will join Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers' side for the 2020/21 season. Speaking at a press conference on September 18, Rodgers said the club were in the market for a "different type" of player in the final third. "He's a very good player," he said of Under. "We need a different type of attacking player. Having watched him, he's clearly a talented player.
"We have pace and power at the top end, but we also need some more football in there."We need someone who can beat someone in a one-v-one, we need someone who can break down defences who are organised, when it's tight. That's the profile we're looking at."
Under is a left-footed winger who has primarily operated on the right wing for Roma since arriving from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017. He has scored 17 goals in 88 games for the Serie A club, but he has failed to hold down a first-team place during his three years in the capital.
Sky Sports
Fofana absence sparks rumours
Reported AC Milan and Leicester target Wesley Fofana has been left out of Saint-Etienne’s matchday squad, fuelling rumours of a potential exit.
The 19-year-old Saint-Étienne centre-back had a fine season in France, attracting the interest of various European clubs, with Milan included in the running. Media outlets both in France and Italy have linked the player with the Rossoneri for some time now
.
The young defender spoke in an interview recently and expressed an evident preference of playing for Leicester, or in the Premier League in general, but journalist Marco Ramiccia insisted there is no deal in place.
According to Telefoot Chaine journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Wesley Fofana will watch Saint-Etienne’s game against Nantes on Sunday from the stands as he has not been called up to the squad.
This obviously fuels rumours that an exit is on the cards for the teenager, perhaps an indication that they do not want to risk an injury or that the player is pushing for a move.
Sempre Milan
Reported AC Milan and Leicester target Wesley Fofana has been left out of Saint-Etienne’s matchday squad, fuelling rumours of a potential exit.
The 19-year-old Saint-Étienne centre-back had a fine season in France, attracting the interest of various European clubs, with Milan included in the running. Media outlets both in France and Italy have linked the player with the Rossoneri for some time now
.
The young defender spoke in an interview recently and expressed an evident preference of playing for Leicester, or in the Premier League in general, but journalist Marco Ramiccia insisted there is no deal in place.
According to Telefoot Chaine journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Wesley Fofana will watch Saint-Etienne’s game against Nantes on Sunday from the stands as he has not been called up to the squad.
This obviously fuels rumours that an exit is on the cards for the teenager, perhaps an indication that they do not want to risk an injury or that the player is pushing for a move.
Sempre Milan
West Brom hold talks about signing £80,000-a-wk Leicester player
West Brom have held talks about potentially signing Leicester City forward Islam Slimani, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported via their live transfer blog on Saturday [6:36pm] that Slimani, 32, is in the final year of his contract at Leicester and has emerged on the radar of the Baggies as they aim to sign a new centre-forward.
However, it is understood that after holding discussions with the Foxes, Albion have focused their attention on other targets.
Slimani joined Leicester four years ago but has only made 46 appearances in all competitions for the East Midlands outfit, scoring 13 goals in the process. He’s been sent out on loan to both Newcastle, Fenerbahce and Monaco, which is where he spent last season and scored nine goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.
One of those goals came against Paris Saint-Germain but we cannot help but feel massively underwhelmed if the Algerian is seen by Luke Dowling and Slaven Bilic’s saviour as they aim to sign a new striker.
The former Sporting CP player has only scored eight goals in 39 Premier League appearances across his spells at Leicester and Newcastle. He’s clearly not in Brendan Rodgers’ plans and with Spotrac reporting he’s earning £80,000-a-week on his contract at the King Power, he could also be an expensive addition to West Brom’s wage bill.
Slimani’s not been anything special in the last four years and at the age of 32, he’s unlikely to become anything special either.
We’d rather see Albion sign a younger striker like Karlan Grant or if they want someone more experienced up front, at least the likes of Troy Deeney have proven they can score big goals in the Premier League.
West Brom News
West Brom have held talks about potentially signing Leicester City forward Islam Slimani, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported via their live transfer blog on Saturday [6:36pm] that Slimani, 32, is in the final year of his contract at Leicester and has emerged on the radar of the Baggies as they aim to sign a new centre-forward.
However, it is understood that after holding discussions with the Foxes, Albion have focused their attention on other targets.
Slimani joined Leicester four years ago but has only made 46 appearances in all competitions for the East Midlands outfit, scoring 13 goals in the process. He’s been sent out on loan to both Newcastle, Fenerbahce and Monaco, which is where he spent last season and scored nine goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.
One of those goals came against Paris Saint-Germain but we cannot help but feel massively underwhelmed if the Algerian is seen by Luke Dowling and Slaven Bilic’s saviour as they aim to sign a new striker.
The former Sporting CP player has only scored eight goals in 39 Premier League appearances across his spells at Leicester and Newcastle. He’s clearly not in Brendan Rodgers’ plans and with Spotrac reporting he’s earning £80,000-a-week on his contract at the King Power, he could also be an expensive addition to West Brom’s wage bill.
Slimani’s not been anything special in the last four years and at the age of 32, he’s unlikely to become anything special either.
We’d rather see Albion sign a younger striker like Karlan Grant or if they want someone more experienced up front, at least the likes of Troy Deeney have proven they can score big goals in the Premier League.
West Brom News
Leicester ready to sell Demarai Gray as winger enters last year on his contract and boss Brendan Rodgers admits: 'He may see himself going out and becoming a starter'
Leicester City will listen to offers for Demarai Gray after agreeing terms with Roma for winger Cengiz Under.
Gray, 24, has one year left on contract and could be willing to see it out with the prospect of leaving as a free agent next summer.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said: 'It'll be up to him. He's in his last year and he hasn't signed another deal but, for me, I will always respect Demarai and what his wishes are.
'He is working very hard to play a part while he's here. We'll see how it evolves over the course of the season.
'I've really enjoyed working with him. He's a good guy and has been here since he was a young player. While he's here he will always be respected for his quality and what he has. 'He is now 24 and it'll be whether he wants to continue in the role he's played here or whether he sees himself going out and becoming a starter.'
Turkey international Under is joining on loan with an option to buy for £24.6million.Rodgers added: 'He's a very good player, there's been some negotiations with the clubs so we're hopeful we can get something there,' he said.
'We needed different types of attacking players to come in and support. Having watched him and seen him play he is clearly a talented player.'
Daily Mail
Leicester City will listen to offers for Demarai Gray after agreeing terms with Roma for winger Cengiz Under.
Gray, 24, has one year left on contract and could be willing to see it out with the prospect of leaving as a free agent next summer.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said: 'It'll be up to him. He's in his last year and he hasn't signed another deal but, for me, I will always respect Demarai and what his wishes are.
'He is working very hard to play a part while he's here. We'll see how it evolves over the course of the season.
'I've really enjoyed working with him. He's a good guy and has been here since he was a young player. While he's here he will always be respected for his quality and what he has. 'He is now 24 and it'll be whether he wants to continue in the role he's played here or whether he sees himself going out and becoming a starter.'
Turkey international Under is joining on loan with an option to buy for £24.6million.Rodgers added: 'He's a very good player, there's been some negotiations with the clubs so we're hopeful we can get something there,' he said.
'We needed different types of attacking players to come in and support. Having watched him and seen him play he is clearly a talented player.'
Daily Mail
Leicester ‘ready to sign €28.5m cheque’ – Offer includes loan of Foxes player and 10% of future profit
Earlier today, a report appeared in France trying to clarify the situation surrounding Wesley Fofana and Leicester City’s interest in him.
This came from Le10 Sport, who revealed the Foxes were ready to increase their offer for the young defender up to €29m, and were unlikely to go higher than that.
Well, this has since been backed up by another source, La Provence, who specify that, according to their information, Leicester ‘would be ready to sign a cheque of €28.5m, bonuses included’. Not only that, but this offer would come ‘with a loan of one of their players (from Leicester to Saint-Etienne) and 10% of any future profit on the next sale’.
However, La Provence say that ‘isn’t likely to convince his club to let him go’, while Fofana sees himself offered a five-year deal with a big pay increase. The youngster hasn’t taken his club’s stance well, as was shown by his public outing in an interview with L’Equipe where he asked the Ligue 1 side to accept Leicester’s offer.
Saint-Etienne, down their end, reportedly didn’t appreciate this, and sent him a letter with a ‘warning’ about his behaviour, although that didn’t stop Claude Puel, who counts on him tremendously, from starting him in the 2-0 win over Strasbourg.
Still, that didn’t change his mind, and someone close to the player told La Provence: “No one can hold anything against him. He was solid, serious. He gave a good account of himself, but he hasn’t changed his mind: he wants to leave”.
Earlier today, a report appeared in France trying to clarify the situation surrounding Wesley Fofana and Leicester City’s interest in him.
This came from Le10 Sport, who revealed the Foxes were ready to increase their offer for the young defender up to €29m, and were unlikely to go higher than that.
Well, this has since been backed up by another source, La Provence, who specify that, according to their information, Leicester ‘would be ready to sign a cheque of €28.5m, bonuses included’. Not only that, but this offer would come ‘with a loan of one of their players (from Leicester to Saint-Etienne) and 10% of any future profit on the next sale’.
However, La Provence say that ‘isn’t likely to convince his club to let him go’, while Fofana sees himself offered a five-year deal with a big pay increase. The youngster hasn’t taken his club’s stance well, as was shown by his public outing in an interview with L’Equipe where he asked the Ligue 1 side to accept Leicester’s offer.
Saint-Etienne, down their end, reportedly didn’t appreciate this, and sent him a letter with a ‘warning’ about his behaviour, although that didn’t stop Claude Puel, who counts on him tremendously, from starting him in the 2-0 win over Strasbourg.
Still, that didn’t change his mind, and someone close to the player told La Provence: “No one can hold anything against him. He was solid, serious. He gave a good account of himself, but he hasn’t changed his mind: he wants to leave”.
Cengiz Under: Leicester close to signing Roma winger on loan with obligation to buy
Turkey international could end up costing Foxes over £24m in transfer fees; Burnley's James Tarkowski remains a target for Brendan Rodgers
Leicester are close to signing Turkish winger Cengiz Under from Roma on loan, with an obligation to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, according to Sky in Italy. The 23-year-old is set to become Leicester's second signing of the window, following the arrival of full-back Timothy Castagne from Atalanta.
The Foxes will pay a loan fee of £2.7m for Under and commit to signing him permanently for £21.9m at the end of the season. Under is a left-footed winger who has primarily operated on the right wing for Roma since arriving from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017.
He has scored 17 goals in 88 games for the Serie A club, who are willing to allow him to leave as he has failed to hold down a first-team place during his three years in the capital. In addition, Leicester have not given up on signing Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski.
Sky Sports News has been told that the two clubs have been in regular contact but remain apart on their valuations of the 27-year-old. Brendan Rodgers wants to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on October 5 and has been interested in signing Tarkowski since Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United last summer.
West Ham are also keen to sign Tarkowski and have had two offers turned down by Burnley.
Sky Sports
Turkey international could end up costing Foxes over £24m in transfer fees; Burnley's James Tarkowski remains a target for Brendan Rodgers
Leicester are close to signing Turkish winger Cengiz Under from Roma on loan, with an obligation to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, according to Sky in Italy. The 23-year-old is set to become Leicester's second signing of the window, following the arrival of full-back Timothy Castagne from Atalanta.
The Foxes will pay a loan fee of £2.7m for Under and commit to signing him permanently for £21.9m at the end of the season. Under is a left-footed winger who has primarily operated on the right wing for Roma since arriving from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017.
He has scored 17 goals in 88 games for the Serie A club, who are willing to allow him to leave as he has failed to hold down a first-team place during his three years in the capital. In addition, Leicester have not given up on signing Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski.
Sky Sports News has been told that the two clubs have been in regular contact but remain apart on their valuations of the 27-year-old. Brendan Rodgers wants to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on October 5 and has been interested in signing Tarkowski since Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United last summer.
West Ham are also keen to sign Tarkowski and have had two offers turned down by Burnley.
Sky Sports
Leicester involved in ‘two-way battle’ to land player – Foxes ‘strongly pressing’ for signing
On Tuesday, we relayed news from Italy that Leicester City and Newcastle United have emerged as potential suitors for AS Roma’s Cengiz Ünder.
It was also explained the Foxes are ‘reluctant’ to pay the winger’s €23m asking price, while the Magpies are looking to take him on a loan deal.
Calciomerctao.it now provides a short update on the 23-year-old’s future, and also cover Leicester interest in the player. They start their report by stating the Turkey international is ‘also leaving’ the Serie A side, as he will follow Edin Džeko out of the club this summer.
Hertha Berlin are interested, and it’s claimed that Brendan Rodgers’ side and the Bundesliga club are involved in a ‘two-way battle’ to acquire Ünder’s services.
The website further adds the Premier League club, at the moment, are ‘strongly pressing’ for signing the player. This suggests Leicester could be ahead of Hertha Berlin in the chase for the wideman, whose contract at Roma runs until 2023.
Calciomercato.it, however, doesn’t mention the fee needed to take Ünder away from Roma.
Sport Witness
On Tuesday, we relayed news from Italy that Leicester City and Newcastle United have emerged as potential suitors for AS Roma’s Cengiz Ünder.
It was also explained the Foxes are ‘reluctant’ to pay the winger’s €23m asking price, while the Magpies are looking to take him on a loan deal.
Calciomerctao.it now provides a short update on the 23-year-old’s future, and also cover Leicester interest in the player. They start their report by stating the Turkey international is ‘also leaving’ the Serie A side, as he will follow Edin Džeko out of the club this summer.
Hertha Berlin are interested, and it’s claimed that Brendan Rodgers’ side and the Bundesliga club are involved in a ‘two-way battle’ to acquire Ünder’s services.
The website further adds the Premier League club, at the moment, are ‘strongly pressing’ for signing the player. This suggests Leicester could be ahead of Hertha Berlin in the chase for the wideman, whose contract at Roma runs until 2023.
Calciomercato.it, however, doesn’t mention the fee needed to take Ünder away from Roma.
Sport Witness
FULHAM WANT £33M ACE IN POTENTIAL CLUB-RECORD DEAL; FACE LEICESTER BATTLE
Fulham are keen to sign Germany international Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen with Leicester City also in the race for his signature, according to The Telegraph.
The Cottagers’ 3-0 thumping by Arsenal on Saturday could be written off as mere opening-day jitters, ruthlessly punished by a fearsome front three of Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.But when you consider Fulham flopped spectacularly in the Premier League as recently as 2018/19, conceding 81 goals en route to relegation, a battering at the hands of the Gunners must have felt like a vivid case of déjà vu.
In truth, against Arsenal Fulham’s back line looked as error prone and porous now as it did then.Tim Ream gifted Lacazette an early opener while Michael Hector, a colossus in the Championship, was dizzied and dazed by Arsenal’s rapid-fire movement.
It goes without saying, then, that the addition of a top-quality central defender with ten caps for the German national team would be well received at Craven Cottage.
The Telegraph reports that Tah, who is 6ft 5in and has almost 150 Bundesliga appearances under his belt and copious Champions League experience, could be on his way to London in what would be a major coup for Fulham. A £33 million valuation could make Tah their new record signing (BILD).
The report adds that Leicester are keen too but St Etienne’s Wesley Fofana remains their top target. The Frenchman admitted recently he would be “crazy” to turn down a move to the King Power Stadium (L’Equipe).
HITC
Fulham are keen to sign Germany international Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen with Leicester City also in the race for his signature, according to The Telegraph.
The Cottagers’ 3-0 thumping by Arsenal on Saturday could be written off as mere opening-day jitters, ruthlessly punished by a fearsome front three of Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.But when you consider Fulham flopped spectacularly in the Premier League as recently as 2018/19, conceding 81 goals en route to relegation, a battering at the hands of the Gunners must have felt like a vivid case of déjà vu.
In truth, against Arsenal Fulham’s back line looked as error prone and porous now as it did then.Tim Ream gifted Lacazette an early opener while Michael Hector, a colossus in the Championship, was dizzied and dazed by Arsenal’s rapid-fire movement.
It goes without saying, then, that the addition of a top-quality central defender with ten caps for the German national team would be well received at Craven Cottage.
The Telegraph reports that Tah, who is 6ft 5in and has almost 150 Bundesliga appearances under his belt and copious Champions League experience, could be on his way to London in what would be a major coup for Fulham. A £33 million valuation could make Tah their new record signing (BILD).
The report adds that Leicester are keen too but St Etienne’s Wesley Fofana remains their top target. The Frenchman admitted recently he would be “crazy” to turn down a move to the King Power Stadium (L’Equipe).
HITC
Fofana explains Leicester ambitions: They're insulting my mother; attacking my sister
St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana has launched an extraordinary explanation why he's pushing to join Leicester City.
Leicester City are in contact with ASSE about a deal for the young stopper - an approach Fofana is desperate to take advantage of. The centre-half has made it clear - publicly - he wishes to be sold to the Foxes this summer.
And he admits the situation, with St Etienne fighting hard to keep hold of him, is spilling into his family's day-to-day life and creating problems. Fofana revealed to L'Equipe via Le 10 Sport on Friday: "To be called a 'mercenary', 'traitor', hurt me.
"But that the Stéphanois come to insult my mother and my little sister, that affects me a lot. I am disgusted. Some have even gone further. My little sister was taken to task in her high school. They insulted her, they pushed her. "She does not know football and she suffered that. It is unacceptable. I saw her cry ... I spoke with her, then I took her to high school. She was the victim of idiots and their behavior really weighed on my decision making.
"Where I come from, the northern districts of Marseille and a not-so-well-off family, that's not possible. I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester. This contract can change my life. I have to protect my family by keeping them safe. The sporting and financial aspects being combined, I have to say yes." Despite Leicester's attempts, St Etienne coach Claude Puel played Fofana for this weekend's victory over Strasbourg. ASSE won 2-0 with Fofana lining up at centre-half and playing the full 90.
Fofana has spent his entire career with St Etienne and signed a new contract only in April to 2024. Last season, he managed 24 appearances, scoring twice.
Tribal Football
St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana has launched an extraordinary explanation why he's pushing to join Leicester City.
Leicester City are in contact with ASSE about a deal for the young stopper - an approach Fofana is desperate to take advantage of. The centre-half has made it clear - publicly - he wishes to be sold to the Foxes this summer.
And he admits the situation, with St Etienne fighting hard to keep hold of him, is spilling into his family's day-to-day life and creating problems. Fofana revealed to L'Equipe via Le 10 Sport on Friday: "To be called a 'mercenary', 'traitor', hurt me.
"But that the Stéphanois come to insult my mother and my little sister, that affects me a lot. I am disgusted. Some have even gone further. My little sister was taken to task in her high school. They insulted her, they pushed her. "She does not know football and she suffered that. It is unacceptable. I saw her cry ... I spoke with her, then I took her to high school. She was the victim of idiots and their behavior really weighed on my decision making.
"Where I come from, the northern districts of Marseille and a not-so-well-off family, that's not possible. I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester. This contract can change my life. I have to protect my family by keeping them safe. The sporting and financial aspects being combined, I have to say yes." Despite Leicester's attempts, St Etienne coach Claude Puel played Fofana for this weekend's victory over Strasbourg. ASSE won 2-0 with Fofana lining up at centre-half and playing the full 90.
Fofana has spent his entire career with St Etienne and signed a new contract only in April to 2024. Last season, he managed 24 appearances, scoring twice.
Tribal Football
Leicester plotting £23m transfer swoop for Roma winger Cengiz Under with Newcastle also keen on rumoured Man Utd target
LEICESTER CITY are plotting a £23million move for Roma star Cengiz Under, according to reports.
The Turkish international has drawn attention from clubs around the Premier League, having also been linked with Manchester United earlier this summer. Newcastle United have also tried to take the 23-year-old on loan.
But according to Inside Futbol, they could face fierce competition from Leicester for his signature. Although Newcastle are trying their best to borrow the 21-cap international, Roma are believed to favour a permanent £23m transfer rather than a loan.
And Bundesiga side Hertha Berlin are also credited with an interest for the highly-touted star. Under arrived at Roma from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017. And things got off to a promising start, as the youngster bagged seven goals in 26 Serie A matches in his maiden campaign. But various injury issues have made things more difficult for Under, only managing ten starts last time out. And a Premier League move could be viewed as the perfect way to get his career back on track.
The Foxes shook off their final day disappointment from last season in style this afternoon, as they swatted aside newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at The Hawthorns. New £18m star Timothy Castagne got his Leicester career off to the perfect start as he fired his new side into a 1-0 lead. And the age-defying Jamie Vardy sealed the points with a brace from the penalty spot.
The Sun
LEICESTER CITY are plotting a £23million move for Roma star Cengiz Under, according to reports.
The Turkish international has drawn attention from clubs around the Premier League, having also been linked with Manchester United earlier this summer. Newcastle United have also tried to take the 23-year-old on loan.
But according to Inside Futbol, they could face fierce competition from Leicester for his signature. Although Newcastle are trying their best to borrow the 21-cap international, Roma are believed to favour a permanent £23m transfer rather than a loan.
And Bundesiga side Hertha Berlin are also credited with an interest for the highly-touted star. Under arrived at Roma from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017. And things got off to a promising start, as the youngster bagged seven goals in 26 Serie A matches in his maiden campaign. But various injury issues have made things more difficult for Under, only managing ten starts last time out. And a Premier League move could be viewed as the perfect way to get his career back on track.
The Foxes shook off their final day disappointment from last season in style this afternoon, as they swatted aside newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at The Hawthorns. New £18m star Timothy Castagne got his Leicester career off to the perfect start as he fired his new side into a 1-0 lead. And the age-defying Jamie Vardy sealed the points with a brace from the penalty spot.
The Sun
Jamie Vardy scored a second-half penalty double as Leicester condemned West Brom to a disappointing return to the Premier League.
After goalkeeper Sam Johnstone twice came to the home side's rescue with saves to deny Harvey Barnes in the first half, new signing Timothy Castagne broke the deadlock when he nodded home a far-post cross from fellow Belgian Dennis Praet nine minutes after the restart.
Vardy, last season's Premier League top scorer, then got up to score from the spot after being dragged back by Kyle Bartley as he chased into the box to support a move that saw Johnstone deny former Baggies loanee Barnes for a third time. The 33-year-old repeated the feat 10 minutes later after Dara O'Shea tripped James Justin.
As playmaker James Maddison made a second-half appearance off the bench after recovering from a hip operation that crucially caused him to miss the end of the season, it was a good day for manager Brendan Rodgers and his team, who were winning this particular fixture for the fifth time in a row. For West Brom, it was a brutal reminder of the task they face merely trying to stay in the top flight.
All three promoted teams lost on the opening weekend and - like Fulham, who were beaten by a similar scoreline against Arsenal on Saturday - there are early question marks over whether they have the quality to survive.Leicester's biggest away win since New Year's Day provided a positive response to some major questions. After looking like Champions League certainties for the first half of the season, a draining run of 17 games in which they claimed only four wins and 17 points saw Leicester overtaken by Manchester United for a top-four spot on the final day of the season. Just as his side's form nosedived, so did Vardy's.
He may have been the Premier League's top scorer but 17 of his 23 goals came before Christmas Day. After toiling for most of the afternoon, Vardy's day seem to be reaching an unhappy end when he limped away from a collision with Johnstone. But the physio sorted Vardy out and within minutes he had scored. Ten minutes after that, he had another one. The similarity of his penalties was uncanny.
The run-up was purposeful, the shot powerful, both times to Johnstone's left as the keeper went right. Maddison's introduction was further reason for Leicester to cheer, although with a notoriously draining Europa League campaign to negotiate from the middle of October, it is fair to assume Rodgers will want more signings beyond Castagne, who has been brought in as a replacement for Ben Chilwell, who joined Chelsea for £45m.
When West Brom went down three seasons ago, their measly 31 goals was one of the major reasons. Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez were joint top scorers with seven, so it is obvious where the Baggies must improve if they are to stand a chance of preserving their Premier League status.Having spent £28m on three new offensive signings - albeit two of them joining permanently after impressing during the club's promotion seasons - expectations around Pereira, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson are high.
There was evidence of plenty of movement from those three but it only translated into a single shot on target.
Kasper Schmeichel made one feet-first save from Pereira before the break but the Brazilian's effort was going wide anyway. Pereira was the home side's major attacking threat - and might have done better with a volley he sent sailing over the bar after controlling in a good position inside the Leicester box. But without a greater goal threat, it could be a long old season for the Baggies.
BBC Sport
After goalkeeper Sam Johnstone twice came to the home side's rescue with saves to deny Harvey Barnes in the first half, new signing Timothy Castagne broke the deadlock when he nodded home a far-post cross from fellow Belgian Dennis Praet nine minutes after the restart.
Vardy, last season's Premier League top scorer, then got up to score from the spot after being dragged back by Kyle Bartley as he chased into the box to support a move that saw Johnstone deny former Baggies loanee Barnes for a third time. The 33-year-old repeated the feat 10 minutes later after Dara O'Shea tripped James Justin.
As playmaker James Maddison made a second-half appearance off the bench after recovering from a hip operation that crucially caused him to miss the end of the season, it was a good day for manager Brendan Rodgers and his team, who were winning this particular fixture for the fifth time in a row. For West Brom, it was a brutal reminder of the task they face merely trying to stay in the top flight.
All three promoted teams lost on the opening weekend and - like Fulham, who were beaten by a similar scoreline against Arsenal on Saturday - there are early question marks over whether they have the quality to survive.Leicester's biggest away win since New Year's Day provided a positive response to some major questions. After looking like Champions League certainties for the first half of the season, a draining run of 17 games in which they claimed only four wins and 17 points saw Leicester overtaken by Manchester United for a top-four spot on the final day of the season. Just as his side's form nosedived, so did Vardy's.
He may have been the Premier League's top scorer but 17 of his 23 goals came before Christmas Day. After toiling for most of the afternoon, Vardy's day seem to be reaching an unhappy end when he limped away from a collision with Johnstone. But the physio sorted Vardy out and within minutes he had scored. Ten minutes after that, he had another one. The similarity of his penalties was uncanny.
The run-up was purposeful, the shot powerful, both times to Johnstone's left as the keeper went right. Maddison's introduction was further reason for Leicester to cheer, although with a notoriously draining Europa League campaign to negotiate from the middle of October, it is fair to assume Rodgers will want more signings beyond Castagne, who has been brought in as a replacement for Ben Chilwell, who joined Chelsea for £45m.
When West Brom went down three seasons ago, their measly 31 goals was one of the major reasons. Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez were joint top scorers with seven, so it is obvious where the Baggies must improve if they are to stand a chance of preserving their Premier League status.Having spent £28m on three new offensive signings - albeit two of them joining permanently after impressing during the club's promotion seasons - expectations around Pereira, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson are high.
There was evidence of plenty of movement from those three but it only translated into a single shot on target.
Kasper Schmeichel made one feet-first save from Pereira before the break but the Brazilian's effort was going wide anyway. Pereira was the home side's major attacking threat - and might have done better with a volley he sent sailing over the bar after controlling in a good position inside the Leicester box. But without a greater goal threat, it could be a long old season for the Baggies.
BBC Sport
Man Utd told David Brooks price but face Leicester problem in transfer chase
Manchester United have been keen on signing David Brooks from Bournemouth in the transfer window but Leicester have presented a real threat to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attempts to land the Welshman
Manchester United have been informed what price David Brooks would cost. However, Leicester are leading the chase for the Bournemouth star. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on bolstering his midfield this summer and had Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish in mind.
However, both Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa are playing hardball and have demanded £110m and £80m respectively.
It has led United to eye other targets, with Brooks on their radar and the Wales international has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. But Bournemouth are not prepared to see their squad decimated much more, with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser already gone and Josh King on the way out.
As a result, they have slapped a £50m price-tag on Brooks in an attempt to ward interest away, report The Sun. That would be £10m more than the price United paid for Donny van de Beek from Ajax, who had attracted attention from Tottenham, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona. If that sum was not bad enough, the Red Devils are also facing some mighty competition from Leicester.
The Sun further report that the Foxes are leading the chase for the former Sheffield United star.Missing out on Brooks would be a blow to Solskjaer, who is keen on building a squad of the right characters going into the new season.“We've come quite the distance since February,” Solskjaer said.
“But you saw how tired you were towards the end. We need the break. “It's going to be a strange summer. The market is open for so long. We've got to be good, smart and clever. “We're looking at it. I can't say when and if they're going to be done. It's a quick turnaround. We have to be 100 per cent sure when we make those deals.
“We definitely need to improve if we want to move up the table and on in the cups. We are working to improve what we have. We're always looking to improve the squad.
“It's not about marquee signings, it's about quality. You need the right personality to make us better. "We might look at it today and see where we need to improve. Maybe today showed that they have to learn and get the consistency.”
Daily Star
Manchester United have been keen on signing David Brooks from Bournemouth in the transfer window but Leicester have presented a real threat to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attempts to land the Welshman
Manchester United have been informed what price David Brooks would cost. However, Leicester are leading the chase for the Bournemouth star. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on bolstering his midfield this summer and had Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish in mind.
However, both Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa are playing hardball and have demanded £110m and £80m respectively.
It has led United to eye other targets, with Brooks on their radar and the Wales international has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. But Bournemouth are not prepared to see their squad decimated much more, with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser already gone and Josh King on the way out.
As a result, they have slapped a £50m price-tag on Brooks in an attempt to ward interest away, report The Sun. That would be £10m more than the price United paid for Donny van de Beek from Ajax, who had attracted attention from Tottenham, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona. If that sum was not bad enough, the Red Devils are also facing some mighty competition from Leicester.
The Sun further report that the Foxes are leading the chase for the former Sheffield United star.Missing out on Brooks would be a blow to Solskjaer, who is keen on building a squad of the right characters going into the new season.“We've come quite the distance since February,” Solskjaer said.
“But you saw how tired you were towards the end. We need the break. “It's going to be a strange summer. The market is open for so long. We've got to be good, smart and clever. “We're looking at it. I can't say when and if they're going to be done. It's a quick turnaround. We have to be 100 per cent sure when we make those deals.
“We definitely need to improve if we want to move up the table and on in the cups. We are working to improve what we have. We're always looking to improve the squad.
“It's not about marquee signings, it's about quality. You need the right personality to make us better. "We might look at it today and see where we need to improve. Maybe today showed that they have to learn and get the consistency.”
Daily Star
‘It’s a soap opera’ - Puel hits out at ‘fake news’ over Fofana to Leicester links
The ex-Foxes boss has suggested that his former club will have a hard time securing the signature of the centre-back this summer
Saint-Etienne head coach Claude Puel has warned there is a great deal of “fake news” surrounding centre-back Wesley Fofana's proposed move to Leicester. Speaking on Thursday, Fofana told L'Equipe he would be "crazy" to turn down the opportunity of a switch to the Premier League club and said he had accepted a contract offer from them.
Saint-Etienne, though, have not accepted any offer, despite reports of a £27m million (€29m/$34m) deal. Former Foxes and Southampton boss Puel deployed the 19-year-old at the heart of his defence on Saturday as Saint-Etienne continued their positive start to the Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-0 win over Strasbourg. After the encounter, he was questioned on the future of his young charge and was positive about the future of a player who will not turn 20 until December.
“There’s been no meeting in relation to his situation,” Puel told Canal+. “The subject has not been discussed at board level. It’s been made into a soap opera with a lot of fake news, and I’d prefer not to make a comment.” Meanwhile, the coach was full of praise for the manner in which the defender has conducted himself on the field after a difficult period.
“Wesley has been going through some difficult things like any kid of his age,” he said. “He gave his answer tonight, though, and it was a very good answer.” Saint-Etienne picked up the victory thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga and Mahdi Camara, but impressed defensively in the face of pressure.
The Loire side recently produced another top centre-back prospect in the form of William Saliba, who moved to Arsenal in 2018 for £27m before switching back to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard side last season on loan.Leicester, whose decision to leave the No 3 shirt vacant when they released their squad numbers for the new campaign sparked more talk that they might sign Fofana, begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday away to WBA.
Brendan Rodgers side have made only one major addition over the course of the summer to date, snapping up Belgium international right-back Timothy Castagne from Atalanta.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has previously intimated that he would like several new additions to strengthen the depth of his squad as they chase Champions League football.
Goal.com
The ex-Foxes boss has suggested that his former club will have a hard time securing the signature of the centre-back this summer
Saint-Etienne head coach Claude Puel has warned there is a great deal of “fake news” surrounding centre-back Wesley Fofana's proposed move to Leicester. Speaking on Thursday, Fofana told L'Equipe he would be "crazy" to turn down the opportunity of a switch to the Premier League club and said he had accepted a contract offer from them.
Saint-Etienne, though, have not accepted any offer, despite reports of a £27m million (€29m/$34m) deal. Former Foxes and Southampton boss Puel deployed the 19-year-old at the heart of his defence on Saturday as Saint-Etienne continued their positive start to the Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-0 win over Strasbourg. After the encounter, he was questioned on the future of his young charge and was positive about the future of a player who will not turn 20 until December.
“There’s been no meeting in relation to his situation,” Puel told Canal+. “The subject has not been discussed at board level. It’s been made into a soap opera with a lot of fake news, and I’d prefer not to make a comment.” Meanwhile, the coach was full of praise for the manner in which the defender has conducted himself on the field after a difficult period.
“Wesley has been going through some difficult things like any kid of his age,” he said. “He gave his answer tonight, though, and it was a very good answer.” Saint-Etienne picked up the victory thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga and Mahdi Camara, but impressed defensively in the face of pressure.
The Loire side recently produced another top centre-back prospect in the form of William Saliba, who moved to Arsenal in 2018 for £27m before switching back to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard side last season on loan.Leicester, whose decision to leave the No 3 shirt vacant when they released their squad numbers for the new campaign sparked more talk that they might sign Fofana, begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday away to WBA.
Brendan Rodgers side have made only one major addition over the course of the summer to date, snapping up Belgium international right-back Timothy Castagne from Atalanta.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has previously intimated that he would like several new additions to strengthen the depth of his squad as they chase Champions League football.
Goal.com
Barcelona to offload Jean-Clair Todibo but Leicester yet to match asking price
Barcelona want to sell Jean-Clair Todibo but Leicester City and Everton have both fallen short of his asking price according to reports.
The Catalan giants want to sell the centre-back because Ronald Koeman wants a new defender and will have to sell to make room. Todibo is now deemed surplus to requirements and was sent on loan to Schalke in January.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have received offers from Leicester and Everton, but they did not meet the 20-year-old's asking price of €25m. Barca gave Schalke the option to buy Todibo - who made 10 appearances for the Bundesliga side - but they passed up the opportunity.
Todibo is now reportedly keen on leaving the Nou Camp and Leicester would be an ideal fit with the Foxes in the market for a centre-back. They are currently trying to strike a deal for St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana, but have yet to reach an agreement on the fee.
And his manager Claude Puel has named him in the squad to face Strasbourg this weekend despite the player himself pleading to be allowed to make his switch to the King Power.
Leicester Mercury
Barcelona want to sell Jean-Clair Todibo but Leicester City and Everton have both fallen short of his asking price according to reports.
The Catalan giants want to sell the centre-back because Ronald Koeman wants a new defender and will have to sell to make room. Todibo is now deemed surplus to requirements and was sent on loan to Schalke in January.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have received offers from Leicester and Everton, but they did not meet the 20-year-old's asking price of €25m. Barca gave Schalke the option to buy Todibo - who made 10 appearances for the Bundesliga side - but they passed up the opportunity.
Todibo is now reportedly keen on leaving the Nou Camp and Leicester would be an ideal fit with the Foxes in the market for a centre-back. They are currently trying to strike a deal for St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana, but have yet to reach an agreement on the fee.
And his manager Claude Puel has named him in the squad to face Strasbourg this weekend despite the player himself pleading to be allowed to make his switch to the King Power.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester target Wesley Fofana turns down new contract offer from St Etienne as teenage centre-back pushes for Premier League move after £22m offer was rejected
Leicester City target Wesley Fofana has turned down the offer of a new contract from St Etienne as he pushes for a move to England.
Leicester have bid around £22m for the 19-year-old centre-back who is the number one target for their defence.
Fofana has urged his club to accept Leicester's offer and said: 'I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester.
'I am aware of taking a risk by leaving early abroad, but I'm determined and mentally ready. 'By putting in that sum Leicester are proving they really want me.'
Leicester have watched Fofana for some time.
Though still raw, he is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe and has interest from AC Milan, Red Bull Leipzig and West Ham among others.
Leicester hope Fofana's comments can help conclude a deal and want to add another winger before the window closes.
Daily Mail
Leicester City target Wesley Fofana has turned down the offer of a new contract from St Etienne as he pushes for a move to England.
Leicester have bid around £22m for the 19-year-old centre-back who is the number one target for their defence.
Fofana has urged his club to accept Leicester's offer and said: 'I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester.
'I am aware of taking a risk by leaving early abroad, but I'm determined and mentally ready. 'By putting in that sum Leicester are proving they really want me.'
Leicester have watched Fofana for some time.
Though still raw, he is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe and has interest from AC Milan, Red Bull Leipzig and West Ham among others.
Leicester hope Fofana's comments can help conclude a deal and want to add another winger before the window closes.
Daily Mail
Wesley Fofana: Saint-Etienne youngster accepts Leicester City offer despite Puel’s assurance
The in-demand Malian centre-back has reveals his decision to join the King Power Stadium outfit this summer
Saint-Etienne defender Wesley Fofana has stated he is accepting Leicester City’s offer to join the Premier League side.
The King Power Stadium have reportedly proposed a five-year contract to the young centre-back and are prepared to pay €29 million for his service. The 19-year-old was promoted to the Green’s first team in 2019, making his professional debut in Ligue 1 against Nice.
The defender featured 17 times in the French top-flight for the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard outfit last season to help them avoid relegation. Fofana has revealed his decision to accept the Foxes proposal despite Saint-Etienne manager Claude Puel assuring him he remains a key component of his team for the 2020-21 campaign. “I received a lot of offers. It is normal to have them checked by my agents. They did not agree with me wanting to speak out [like this]. But what has just happened stoked something in me. My decision is made: I am accepting an offer,” Fofana told L'Equipe.
“Leicester? Yes. I have always dreamed of playing in England. It is not a whim. Already last summer, I had thought about it. But as the club did not agree with Salzburg, I stayed 100% focus on the Greens. “This winter too. This time I can't refuse. Where I'm from, the northern parts of Marseille and a not-so-well-off family, it's not possible. I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester. “Contract can change my life. I have to protect my family by sheltering them. Sporting and financial aspects being combined, I have to say yes.
“I am aware of taking a risk by leaving early abroad, but I'm determined and mentally ready to change my life. By putting in that sum Leicester are proving they really want me.
“It's not like I want to leave for a club where the number of centre-backs is immense. It is a real sporting project. “I went to see the coach [Claude Puel] yesterday morning to tell him what had happened, that I was not in a good way, and that I want to leave.
“I tried, but I was not able to talk about my problems through with him. No worries. I will sort it out on my own. I am used to that. As he was closed off to the discussion, we spoke about the sporting side, not my private life. “He told me that I am 100% part of the project and that it is out of the question that I leave during this transfer window “.
Fofana, who is eligible to play for Mali and France will hope his future is sorted out this summer to enable him to concentrate on his development.
Riyad Mahrez also faced a turbulent time when he tried to leave Leicester City for Manchester City under manager Puel in January 2018. The Algeria international went AWOL to force the move but was rebuffed before he eventually left in the summer.
Goal.com
The in-demand Malian centre-back has reveals his decision to join the King Power Stadium outfit this summer
Saint-Etienne defender Wesley Fofana has stated he is accepting Leicester City’s offer to join the Premier League side.
The King Power Stadium have reportedly proposed a five-year contract to the young centre-back and are prepared to pay €29 million for his service. The 19-year-old was promoted to the Green’s first team in 2019, making his professional debut in Ligue 1 against Nice.
The defender featured 17 times in the French top-flight for the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard outfit last season to help them avoid relegation. Fofana has revealed his decision to accept the Foxes proposal despite Saint-Etienne manager Claude Puel assuring him he remains a key component of his team for the 2020-21 campaign. “I received a lot of offers. It is normal to have them checked by my agents. They did not agree with me wanting to speak out [like this]. But what has just happened stoked something in me. My decision is made: I am accepting an offer,” Fofana told L'Equipe.
“Leicester? Yes. I have always dreamed of playing in England. It is not a whim. Already last summer, I had thought about it. But as the club did not agree with Salzburg, I stayed 100% focus on the Greens. “This winter too. This time I can't refuse. Where I'm from, the northern parts of Marseille and a not-so-well-off family, it's not possible. I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester. “Contract can change my life. I have to protect my family by sheltering them. Sporting and financial aspects being combined, I have to say yes.
“I am aware of taking a risk by leaving early abroad, but I'm determined and mentally ready to change my life. By putting in that sum Leicester are proving they really want me.
“It's not like I want to leave for a club where the number of centre-backs is immense. It is a real sporting project. “I went to see the coach [Claude Puel] yesterday morning to tell him what had happened, that I was not in a good way, and that I want to leave.
“I tried, but I was not able to talk about my problems through with him. No worries. I will sort it out on my own. I am used to that. As he was closed off to the discussion, we spoke about the sporting side, not my private life. “He told me that I am 100% part of the project and that it is out of the question that I leave during this transfer window “.
Fofana, who is eligible to play for Mali and France will hope his future is sorted out this summer to enable him to concentrate on his development.
Riyad Mahrez also faced a turbulent time when he tried to leave Leicester City for Manchester City under manager Puel in January 2018. The Algeria international went AWOL to force the move but was rebuffed before he eventually left in the summer.
Goal.com
Wesley Fofana to Leicester City – hints over his future, Claude Puel's stance
Leicester City have been linked with a transfer for the Saint-Etienne teenager, who has impressed in Ligue 1 under the guidance of former City manager Claude Puel
Leicester City’s year-long search for a new centre-back could see them turn to Saint-Etienne star Wesley Fofana.
The club haven't signed a central defender on a permanent deal since Harry Maguire departed and because of injuries and suspensions, they face heading into the first Premier League game of the campaign with only one available senior centre-half in Caglar Soyuncu. Could their growing need for a centre-back see them move for Fofana. Here’s the latest on the Frenchman, and the links to City.
Saint-Etienne’s stance - Such is City’s interest in Fofana, L’Equipe say they are ready to bid €25m (£22.5m) for the teenager.
That would eclipse offers that have previously been made by clubs around Europe, but may not be enough to tempt Saint-Etienne to part with their prized asset, with reports suggesting that president Roland Romeyer was hoping for more than the €30m they could potentially receive from William Saliba’s sale to Arsenal.
The reports also suggest they may be tempted if there was more cash up front, if a sell-on clause was included, and if a player went the other way.
Who else is interested? - L’Equipe say Red Bull Salzburg tried to sign Fofana last summer, RB Leipzig and Monaco tested the waters in January, and then AC Milan came in for him this summer, with the highest bid at €20m. So there is plenty of interest, and that’s before a Spanish quartet of Villarreal, Valencia, Sevilla, and Real Betis are considered, with the four also said to be eyeing Fofana.
Fofana’s social media antics - Fofana has been a name on the lips of City fans for a while, but particularly in the past week after eagle-eyed supporters spotted some curious goings-on on his social media feeds. Last week, Fofana followed City on Instagram and Twitter, becoming only the second club that he follows on both platforms, after current side Saint-Etienne. A few hours later, he unfollowed City, but it was still long enough to pique the attention of the club’s fans.
Why City might want him - First of all, City need a centre-back, and want proper competition for Soyuncu and Jonny Evans. And Fofana ticks a lot of the boxes they might want ticking. Brendan Rodgers likes his centre-backs to defend on the front foot, to be proactive, because if they can step in early, it helps pen opponents into their own halves and keep the pressure on.
So for this, Fofana would need good aerial stats and a high number of interceptions. Last season, in Ligue 1, he was best-ranked among centre-backs for interceptions, while second for aerial duel success. Plus, he’s only 19, so has a lot of scope for development. He also would not have to be registered in the Premier League squad just yet, and so would free up space for other players.
What has Fofana said - After signing a new contract with Saint-Etienne to 2024 in April, Fofana was asked about interest from overseas. He said: “It's flattering to know that such clubs are interested in me, come to see me at the stadium, but I leave all that to my agents. I take care of the pitch and nothing else.” Then asked about the Saliba's journey from Saint-Etienne to Arsenal, Fofana replied: “I don't know if I will have the opportunity to be like William or if I will want to be like him. What is certain is that he made a good choice and that it allowed him to sign for a big club. It might be an idea for me…”
What Puel has said - Yes, the thoughts of Claude Puel are relevant with the former City boss currently in charge at Saint-Etienne. Puel has been credited with Fofana’s rise to prominence, and so it’s unsurprising that he wants to build his team around him. He is fed up with French clubs developing players for teams in other countries. “It is with this type of player that the club can continue to plan for the future,” Puel told L’Equipe. “We will, therefore, do everything to keep our best players.
“I insisted a lot on extending Wesley because it seems essential to see him for a few more seasons with the club that raised him. Afterwards, I am not naive. “The lifespan of a young person at a French club is not very substantial. Finances have been impacted. The presidents have made a tremendous effort. “This pandemic gives our project even more consistency. The previous model is not tenable.
“Our football is a laboratory for the other four major championships. Our clubs put the players on the table and say to strangers, “Help yourself!” “We suffer in the transfer window and we pay for it in the European Cup. We shake up our squads and when they are settled, we are already eliminated.”
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City have been linked with a transfer for the Saint-Etienne teenager, who has impressed in Ligue 1 under the guidance of former City manager Claude Puel
Leicester City’s year-long search for a new centre-back could see them turn to Saint-Etienne star Wesley Fofana.
The club haven't signed a central defender on a permanent deal since Harry Maguire departed and because of injuries and suspensions, they face heading into the first Premier League game of the campaign with only one available senior centre-half in Caglar Soyuncu. Could their growing need for a centre-back see them move for Fofana. Here’s the latest on the Frenchman, and the links to City.
Saint-Etienne’s stance - Such is City’s interest in Fofana, L’Equipe say they are ready to bid €25m (£22.5m) for the teenager.
That would eclipse offers that have previously been made by clubs around Europe, but may not be enough to tempt Saint-Etienne to part with their prized asset, with reports suggesting that president Roland Romeyer was hoping for more than the €30m they could potentially receive from William Saliba’s sale to Arsenal.
The reports also suggest they may be tempted if there was more cash up front, if a sell-on clause was included, and if a player went the other way.
Who else is interested? - L’Equipe say Red Bull Salzburg tried to sign Fofana last summer, RB Leipzig and Monaco tested the waters in January, and then AC Milan came in for him this summer, with the highest bid at €20m. So there is plenty of interest, and that’s before a Spanish quartet of Villarreal, Valencia, Sevilla, and Real Betis are considered, with the four also said to be eyeing Fofana.
Fofana’s social media antics - Fofana has been a name on the lips of City fans for a while, but particularly in the past week after eagle-eyed supporters spotted some curious goings-on on his social media feeds. Last week, Fofana followed City on Instagram and Twitter, becoming only the second club that he follows on both platforms, after current side Saint-Etienne. A few hours later, he unfollowed City, but it was still long enough to pique the attention of the club’s fans.
Why City might want him - First of all, City need a centre-back, and want proper competition for Soyuncu and Jonny Evans. And Fofana ticks a lot of the boxes they might want ticking. Brendan Rodgers likes his centre-backs to defend on the front foot, to be proactive, because if they can step in early, it helps pen opponents into their own halves and keep the pressure on.
So for this, Fofana would need good aerial stats and a high number of interceptions. Last season, in Ligue 1, he was best-ranked among centre-backs for interceptions, while second for aerial duel success. Plus, he’s only 19, so has a lot of scope for development. He also would not have to be registered in the Premier League squad just yet, and so would free up space for other players.
What has Fofana said - After signing a new contract with Saint-Etienne to 2024 in April, Fofana was asked about interest from overseas. He said: “It's flattering to know that such clubs are interested in me, come to see me at the stadium, but I leave all that to my agents. I take care of the pitch and nothing else.” Then asked about the Saliba's journey from Saint-Etienne to Arsenal, Fofana replied: “I don't know if I will have the opportunity to be like William or if I will want to be like him. What is certain is that he made a good choice and that it allowed him to sign for a big club. It might be an idea for me…”
What Puel has said - Yes, the thoughts of Claude Puel are relevant with the former City boss currently in charge at Saint-Etienne. Puel has been credited with Fofana’s rise to prominence, and so it’s unsurprising that he wants to build his team around him. He is fed up with French clubs developing players for teams in other countries. “It is with this type of player that the club can continue to plan for the future,” Puel told L’Equipe. “We will, therefore, do everything to keep our best players.
“I insisted a lot on extending Wesley because it seems essential to see him for a few more seasons with the club that raised him. Afterwards, I am not naive. “The lifespan of a young person at a French club is not very substantial. Finances have been impacted. The presidents have made a tremendous effort. “This pandemic gives our project even more consistency. The previous model is not tenable.
“Our football is a laboratory for the other four major championships. Our clubs put the players on the table and say to strangers, “Help yourself!” “We suffer in the transfer window and we pay for it in the European Cup. We shake up our squads and when they are settled, we are already eliminated.”
Leicester Mercury
Leicester playmaker James Maddison set to miss season opener against West Brom after the midfielder missed pre-season following a hip-operation
James Maddison is a doubt for Leicester's season opener at West Brom on Sunday after playing no part in the club's pre-season preparations.
Maddison played in only three of Leicester's 10 matches following the restart due to a hip problem, which he aggravated in the 2-1 defeat at Everton on July 1. He later had surgery.
The 23-year-old recently signed a new four-year deal worth about £100,000 a week at the King Power Stadium and his return cannot come soon enough.
Maddison was a star of Leicester's early-season march up the Premier League table and ended the campaign with six goals and three assists, attracting interest from Manchester United. Leicester are also struggling in defence ahead of their trip to the Hawthorns, where holding midfielder Wilfred Ndidi may have to play as a centre back.
Jonny Evans is absent through suspension after he was sent off on the last day of the 2019-20 campaign against United and veteran Wes Morgan is struggling with a hamstring injury. So Ndidi may slot in alongside Caglar Soyuncu in central defence.
Manager Brendan Rodgers could give a debut to Timothy Castagne, the wing back who joined from Atalanta to replace Chelsea's £50million signing Ben Chilwell, while fringe players like midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and defender Josh Knight may also be involved.
Daily Mail
James Maddison is a doubt for Leicester's season opener at West Brom on Sunday after playing no part in the club's pre-season preparations.
Maddison played in only three of Leicester's 10 matches following the restart due to a hip problem, which he aggravated in the 2-1 defeat at Everton on July 1. He later had surgery.
The 23-year-old recently signed a new four-year deal worth about £100,000 a week at the King Power Stadium and his return cannot come soon enough.
Maddison was a star of Leicester's early-season march up the Premier League table and ended the campaign with six goals and three assists, attracting interest from Manchester United. Leicester are also struggling in defence ahead of their trip to the Hawthorns, where holding midfielder Wilfred Ndidi may have to play as a centre back.
Jonny Evans is absent through suspension after he was sent off on the last day of the 2019-20 campaign against United and veteran Wes Morgan is struggling with a hamstring injury. So Ndidi may slot in alongside Caglar Soyuncu in central defence.
Manager Brendan Rodgers could give a debut to Timothy Castagne, the wing back who joined from Atalanta to replace Chelsea's £50million signing Ben Chilwell, while fringe players like midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and defender Josh Knight may also be involved.
Daily Mail
Odsonne Edouard Celtic transfer price flip as Arsenal leapfrogged by Premier League pair
Mikel Arteta's side were the favourites to land the in-demand Hoops hero but their odds are now drifting.
Leicester City are now the betting favourites to secure Odsonne Edouard before the close of the transfer window. Celtic boss Neil Lennon is desperate for his talisman to stay and the Premiership champions are preparing to offer him a new deal to silence growing speculation.
Edouard netted in consecutive games for France U21s and will return to Glasgow ahead of Saturday's showdown with Ross County.
Arsenal have been long-term leaders with oddsmakers to land the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate and were as short as 5/2 back in July but are now 9/1 in some markets. Leicester City are now favourites in the market at odds of 4/1 with Aston Villa (7/1) and Tottenham (8/1) also seeing their odds shortening.
Record Sport revealed in January that Brendan Rodgers was readying a £30m bid but the Daily Mail report the Foxes would have reservations over matching Celtic's £40m valuation for the 22-year-old.
We also understand there is interest in Edouard from Brighton but the striker sees the south coast club as a step down from Celtic. Arsenal are the biggest club to be interested in him but Edouard is in no rush to quit the Parkhead club, who do not wish to sell their prized asset as they go for 10 In A Row.
Oddschecker's Callum Wilson said: “Prior to positive talks over Aubameyang’s contract situation, Edouard was as short as 2/1 to join Arsenal. “That price has continued to drift, with money cooling for the Gunners and coming for a reunion with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.
“Over the last week, 41 per cent of all bets in the market have backed just that, making Leicester City the new clear favourites for Celtic’s starting striker.”
Daily Record
Mikel Arteta's side were the favourites to land the in-demand Hoops hero but their odds are now drifting.
Leicester City are now the betting favourites to secure Odsonne Edouard before the close of the transfer window. Celtic boss Neil Lennon is desperate for his talisman to stay and the Premiership champions are preparing to offer him a new deal to silence growing speculation.
Edouard netted in consecutive games for France U21s and will return to Glasgow ahead of Saturday's showdown with Ross County.
Arsenal have been long-term leaders with oddsmakers to land the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate and were as short as 5/2 back in July but are now 9/1 in some markets. Leicester City are now favourites in the market at odds of 4/1 with Aston Villa (7/1) and Tottenham (8/1) also seeing their odds shortening.
Record Sport revealed in January that Brendan Rodgers was readying a £30m bid but the Daily Mail report the Foxes would have reservations over matching Celtic's £40m valuation for the 22-year-old.
We also understand there is interest in Edouard from Brighton but the striker sees the south coast club as a step down from Celtic. Arsenal are the biggest club to be interested in him but Edouard is in no rush to quit the Parkhead club, who do not wish to sell their prized asset as they go for 10 In A Row.
Oddschecker's Callum Wilson said: “Prior to positive talks over Aubameyang’s contract situation, Edouard was as short as 2/1 to join Arsenal. “That price has continued to drift, with money cooling for the Gunners and coming for a reunion with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.
“Over the last week, 41 per cent of all bets in the market have backed just that, making Leicester City the new clear favourites for Celtic’s starting striker.”
Daily Record
Leicester want to sign St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana but are put off by French club's £27m valuation
Leicester City want St Etienne's teenage defender Wesley Fofana but are reluctant to meet the French club's £27m valuation.
AC Milan and Everton have also checked on 19-year-old Fofana who was outstanding last season though Leicester were looking to offer closer to £18m, Brendan Rodgers utilised midfielder Wilfried Ndidi at centre-back on Saturday.
Rodgers is also keen to add another winger.
The Foxes recently got some business over the line as they signed defender Timothy Castagne from Atalanta in a deal worth £22million.
Rodgers sealed the Belgian's signature following Ben Chilwell's £50million exit to Chelsea, as the 24-year-old international penned a five-year deal with Leicester.
They are also remaining interested in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, however they are unlikely to make a move whilst the Scottish champions remain firm on their £40m asking price.
Daily Mail
Leicester City want St Etienne's teenage defender Wesley Fofana but are reluctant to meet the French club's £27m valuation.
AC Milan and Everton have also checked on 19-year-old Fofana who was outstanding last season though Leicester were looking to offer closer to £18m, Brendan Rodgers utilised midfielder Wilfried Ndidi at centre-back on Saturday.
Rodgers is also keen to add another winger.
The Foxes recently got some business over the line as they signed defender Timothy Castagne from Atalanta in a deal worth £22million.
Rodgers sealed the Belgian's signature following Ben Chilwell's £50million exit to Chelsea, as the 24-year-old international penned a five-year deal with Leicester.
They are also remaining interested in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, however they are unlikely to make a move whilst the Scottish champions remain firm on their £40m asking price.
Daily Mail
Leicester City make approach for Brazilian star
Leicester City made an approach for Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa, according to reports from Brazil today.
Journalist Jorge Nicola says the Foxes recently got in touch with the striker’s agent to know the chances of a move this summer. They asked him how much he makes at Flamengo, how much he’d demand to make the transfer and if he’s keen on moving to the Premier League.
The report claims that Gabigol turned down the approach. Still, Leicester City should hold a virtual meeting with his agent in the coming days.
Depending on how the conversation with Gabigol’s agent goes, only then would Leicester City contact Flamengo and talk about the transfer. It’s said the Foxes had been interested in his signing in other transfer windows, and could finally go for him this time.
The striker has a release clause of €60m, but his contract includes another clause requested by Barbosa himself which would allow for a departure at a fee of €32m.
Flamengo signed Gabigol on a permanent transfer from Inter Milan in January this year, and are still paying the fee of €16.5m in several instalments. So even though they wouldn’t like to lose the player now, it’d be quite a good deal if he leaves for twice that amount this summer.
Sport Witness
Leicester City made an approach for Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa, according to reports from Brazil today.
Journalist Jorge Nicola says the Foxes recently got in touch with the striker’s agent to know the chances of a move this summer. They asked him how much he makes at Flamengo, how much he’d demand to make the transfer and if he’s keen on moving to the Premier League.
The report claims that Gabigol turned down the approach. Still, Leicester City should hold a virtual meeting with his agent in the coming days.
Depending on how the conversation with Gabigol’s agent goes, only then would Leicester City contact Flamengo and talk about the transfer. It’s said the Foxes had been interested in his signing in other transfer windows, and could finally go for him this time.
The striker has a release clause of €60m, but his contract includes another clause requested by Barbosa himself which would allow for a departure at a fee of €32m.
Flamengo signed Gabigol on a permanent transfer from Inter Milan in January this year, and are still paying the fee of €16.5m in several instalments. So even though they wouldn’t like to lose the player now, it’d be quite a good deal if he leaves for twice that amount this summer.
Sport Witness
Leicester City join chase to land Brentford star Rico Henry, Leeds remain keen
Leicester City has joined the race to sign Brentford full-back, Rico Henry, according to a report from the Leicester Mercury.
Henry is a wanted man this summer after a fine season with Brentford in the Championship. He was a regular for Thomas Frank all season, providing a consistent attacking threat down the left for the Bees.
Leeds are said to be among the teams interested in signing Henry. Indeed, the Daily Star claimed just a week or so ago that the Whites were in a three-way battle to land the Brentford ace. However, Leicester’s interest has emerged as new news. The Foxes are said to be keen on Henry, despite sealing a big-money deal for Atalanta defender, Timothy Castagne last week.
Brendan Rodgers lost Ben Chilwell to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window and is now said to be keen on ensuring he has suitable cover in the full-back positions.
The 23-year-old has worked his way up to being a top player through League One then into the Championship and now deserves his shot at Premier League football if it comes along. Leicester would be a good fit for him, too. Brendan Rodgers has no qualms about playing young players and given he employs an expansive attacking system, it should suit Henry.
Ben Chilwell is a loss, of course. But along with Castagne, the signing of Henry can ensure Chilwell is suitably replaced.
tbrfootball.com
Leicester City has joined the race to sign Brentford full-back, Rico Henry, according to a report from the Leicester Mercury.
Henry is a wanted man this summer after a fine season with Brentford in the Championship. He was a regular for Thomas Frank all season, providing a consistent attacking threat down the left for the Bees.
Leeds are said to be among the teams interested in signing Henry. Indeed, the Daily Star claimed just a week or so ago that the Whites were in a three-way battle to land the Brentford ace. However, Leicester’s interest has emerged as new news. The Foxes are said to be keen on Henry, despite sealing a big-money deal for Atalanta defender, Timothy Castagne last week.
Brendan Rodgers lost Ben Chilwell to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window and is now said to be keen on ensuring he has suitable cover in the full-back positions.
The 23-year-old has worked his way up to being a top player through League One then into the Championship and now deserves his shot at Premier League football if it comes along. Leicester would be a good fit for him, too. Brendan Rodgers has no qualms about playing young players and given he employs an expansive attacking system, it should suit Henry.
Ben Chilwell is a loss, of course. But along with Castagne, the signing of Henry can ensure Chilwell is suitably replaced.
tbrfootball.com
Leicester City join Leeds United in the race for Rodrigo De Paul
According to transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Leicester City have joined Leeds United in the race for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
The Elland Road side have offered the Argentina international a four-year deal, with the Serie A club holding out for between £31 million to £36 million, but a move is yet to work out and Leicester reckon they might have a chance.
According to Messaggero Venuto, De Paul actually dreams of a move to Juventus instead of Leeds as he gets to play Champions League football and regularly compete for silverware, and the Whites now have another suitor to compete with in the Foxes.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has the 26-year-old on top of his list for a midfield signing this summer, but getting a deal over the line is increasingly becoming difficult.
De Paul scored seven goals and provided six assists in 34 Serie A games last term, and his ability to also have an impact in the final third has caught both the eyes of Leeds and Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are offering Europa League football and are now an established side in the top-flight having won the title a few seasons ago, and they could be a more attractive option for the Argentine compared to Leeds.
sportslens.com
According to transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Leicester City have joined Leeds United in the race for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
The Elland Road side have offered the Argentina international a four-year deal, with the Serie A club holding out for between £31 million to £36 million, but a move is yet to work out and Leicester reckon they might have a chance.
According to Messaggero Venuto, De Paul actually dreams of a move to Juventus instead of Leeds as he gets to play Champions League football and regularly compete for silverware, and the Whites now have another suitor to compete with in the Foxes.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has the 26-year-old on top of his list for a midfield signing this summer, but getting a deal over the line is increasingly becoming difficult.
De Paul scored seven goals and provided six assists in 34 Serie A games last term, and his ability to also have an impact in the final third has caught both the eyes of Leeds and Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are offering Europa League football and are now an established side in the top-flight having won the title a few seasons ago, and they could be a more attractive option for the Argentine compared to Leeds.
sportslens.com
Leicester to hijack West Ham's move for James Tarkowski with £30m bid
West Ham want James Tarkowski but the £50m-valued Burnley star is being pursued by Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City too and the Foxes can offer him Europa League football
Leicester City are set to step up their interest in Burnley centre-half James Tarkowski this week - with a £30million swoop.
West Ham have already started a bidding war for the England international, 27, who has two years left on his current Clarets deal.
But the Irons’ £25m offer – tabled yesterday – will be rejected by Burnley. They are desperate to keep Tarkowski and have slapped a £50m price tag on the ex-Brentford star.
However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, a long-term admirer of Tarkowski, is now poised to enter the scrap.
Leicester’s opening shot will be around the £30m mark and the Midlands club are prepared to go even higher if necessary.That is last thing Clarets manager Sean Dyche needs to hear as he fights to retain the core of the squad that finished an impressive tenth last term.
He was unhappy in June when the board released out-of-contract Jeff Hendrick, Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon and Adam Legzdins before the end of the extended 2019-20 season.
That led to him naming inexperienced youngsters on the bench during the run-in.
Losing someone of Tarkowski’s calibre would be another crushing blow for Dyche, who has worked miracles at elite level on a relative shoestring budget.
Daliy Star
West Ham want James Tarkowski but the £50m-valued Burnley star is being pursued by Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City too and the Foxes can offer him Europa League football
Leicester City are set to step up their interest in Burnley centre-half James Tarkowski this week - with a £30million swoop.
West Ham have already started a bidding war for the England international, 27, who has two years left on his current Clarets deal.
But the Irons’ £25m offer – tabled yesterday – will be rejected by Burnley. They are desperate to keep Tarkowski and have slapped a £50m price tag on the ex-Brentford star.
However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, a long-term admirer of Tarkowski, is now poised to enter the scrap.
Leicester’s opening shot will be around the £30m mark and the Midlands club are prepared to go even higher if necessary.That is last thing Clarets manager Sean Dyche needs to hear as he fights to retain the core of the squad that finished an impressive tenth last term.
He was unhappy in June when the board released out-of-contract Jeff Hendrick, Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon and Adam Legzdins before the end of the extended 2019-20 season.
That led to him naming inexperienced youngsters on the bench during the run-in.
Losing someone of Tarkowski’s calibre would be another crushing blow for Dyche, who has worked miracles at elite level on a relative shoestring budget.
Daliy Star
'Lets get real' - Robbie Savage makes his Premier League prediction for Leicester City
The former Leicester City midfielder has produced his predicted Premier League table with some big calls made
Former Leicester City favourite Robbie Savage is predicting his old club will slip down the Premier League table, but still have a successful season.
The Foxes finished fifth last term after a late collapse in form cost them a Champions League place.
Now Savage expects them to drop down to 10th place, but he believes that would still be a success if Brendan Rodgers' side challenge in cup competition.
"There was an air of disappointment when Brendan Rodgers' side missed out on the Champions League, but let's get real: A top-half finish, European football and maybe a cup run would still be a great achievement," he wrote in the Daily Mirror.
"Ricardo Pereira is on the way back from injury and James Maddison has signed a new contract. Keep the faith."
Leicester Mercury
The former Leicester City midfielder has produced his predicted Premier League table with some big calls made
Former Leicester City favourite Robbie Savage is predicting his old club will slip down the Premier League table, but still have a successful season.
The Foxes finished fifth last term after a late collapse in form cost them a Champions League place.
Now Savage expects them to drop down to 10th place, but he believes that would still be a success if Brendan Rodgers' side challenge in cup competition.
"There was an air of disappointment when Brendan Rodgers' side missed out on the Champions League, but let's get real: A top-half finish, European football and maybe a cup run would still be a great achievement," he wrote in the Daily Mirror.
"Ricardo Pereira is on the way back from injury and James Maddison has signed a new contract. Keep the faith."
Leicester Mercury
'The plans they have' – International manager backs Leicester City transfer
Former Everton and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said a transfer to the King Power Stadium offers 'great prospects' for his Belgium wing-back Timothy Castagne
A transfer to Leicester City provides "great prospects" for Timothy Castagne, his international manager Roberto Martinez believes.Castagne has sealed an £18m move to the King Power Stadium but won’t arrive at the club until next week as he is on duty with Belgium this weekend.
Asked about the transfer, Martinez, who has taken Belgium to the number one ranked country in the world after his spells with Everton and Wigan, said it was an excellent move for his wing-back and revealed that Castagne was persuaded to join following positive conversations about how he can contribute to Brendan Rodgers’ side.
“I talk a lot with my players and I always advise them to inquire about the coach and ask about their role within the team,” Martinez said at his press conference ahead of Belgium’s Nations League clash with Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark on Saturday night. “Timothy is impressed by Leicester and the plans they have for him. They really convinced him. The transfer offers great prospects for him.” Given his versatility, Castagne could be employed as either a right-back or a left-back at City, or as a wing-back if the formation from the end of the previous season remains.
With Ricardo Pereira currently injured, he would be expected to start on the right of the defence, with James Justin on the left in place of Ben Chiwell. However, Castagne could switch over when Ricardo returns to fitness, with the Portuguese international expected to be back in October.
Leicester Mercury
Former Everton and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said a transfer to the King Power Stadium offers 'great prospects' for his Belgium wing-back Timothy Castagne
A transfer to Leicester City provides "great prospects" for Timothy Castagne, his international manager Roberto Martinez believes.Castagne has sealed an £18m move to the King Power Stadium but won’t arrive at the club until next week as he is on duty with Belgium this weekend.
Asked about the transfer, Martinez, who has taken Belgium to the number one ranked country in the world after his spells with Everton and Wigan, said it was an excellent move for his wing-back and revealed that Castagne was persuaded to join following positive conversations about how he can contribute to Brendan Rodgers’ side.
“I talk a lot with my players and I always advise them to inquire about the coach and ask about their role within the team,” Martinez said at his press conference ahead of Belgium’s Nations League clash with Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark on Saturday night. “Timothy is impressed by Leicester and the plans they have for him. They really convinced him. The transfer offers great prospects for him.” Given his versatility, Castagne could be employed as either a right-back or a left-back at City, or as a wing-back if the formation from the end of the previous season remains.
With Ricardo Pereira currently injured, he would be expected to start on the right of the defence, with James Justin on the left in place of Ben Chiwell. However, Castagne could switch over when Ricardo returns to fitness, with the Portuguese international expected to be back in October.
Leicester Mercury
Timothy Castagne Pens Five-Year Deal With Leicester City
Leicester City Football Club have agreed terms with Atalanta for the transfer of full-back Timothy Castagne, subject to Premier League and international clearance.
The 24-year-old Belgian international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates after the conclusion of the current international break.
Capped seven times by his country, the full-back, who can operate on either side of defence, joined Serie A outfit Atalanta from Genk in 2017 and helped his team qualify for the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history with a third-place finish in Serie A.
During the 2019/20 season, Castagne played 35 times in all competitions as Atalanta finished third for the second year running and also featured on six occasions in the UEFA Champions League. The Italian side enjoyed an impressive run to the quarter-finals of the competition, where they faced French side Paris Saint-Germain.
On the international stage, he represented Belgium at various youth levels and went on to make his debut for the senior side in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park in September 2018. His performances have since seen him earn a further six caps, including a first international goal in a UEFA European qualifier against Kazakhstan in June 2019.
Born in Arlon, he is a product of Genk’s youth system, and made his professional debut in the Belgian Pro League against Club Brugge in September 2014.
Castagne’s debut for Genk came just a few months before that of current City star Wilfred Ndidi, with the two playing regularly together in the same side until the Nigerian international signed for the Foxes in January 2017.
The Belgian international would spend three years with Genk before joining Atalanta and establishing himself as a regular with the Italian club, impressing both on the domestic and European stage.
Castagne, alongside fellow international team-mates Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet, is currently with the Belgium squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City Football Club have agreed terms with Atalanta for the transfer of full-back Timothy Castagne, subject to Premier League and international clearance.
The 24-year-old Belgian international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates after the conclusion of the current international break.
Capped seven times by his country, the full-back, who can operate on either side of defence, joined Serie A outfit Atalanta from Genk in 2017 and helped his team qualify for the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history with a third-place finish in Serie A.
During the 2019/20 season, Castagne played 35 times in all competitions as Atalanta finished third for the second year running and also featured on six occasions in the UEFA Champions League. The Italian side enjoyed an impressive run to the quarter-finals of the competition, where they faced French side Paris Saint-Germain.
On the international stage, he represented Belgium at various youth levels and went on to make his debut for the senior side in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park in September 2018. His performances have since seen him earn a further six caps, including a first international goal in a UEFA European qualifier against Kazakhstan in June 2019.
Born in Arlon, he is a product of Genk’s youth system, and made his professional debut in the Belgian Pro League against Club Brugge in September 2014.
Castagne’s debut for Genk came just a few months before that of current City star Wilfred Ndidi, with the two playing regularly together in the same side until the Nigerian international signed for the Foxes in January 2017.
The Belgian international would spend three years with Genk before joining Atalanta and establishing himself as a regular with the Italian club, impressing both on the domestic and European stage.
Castagne, alongside fellow international team-mates Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet, is currently with the Belgium squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
LCFC.COM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
