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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS
Tottenham Hotspur 6-2 Leicester City
RODGERS MUST GO & GO NOW - 22 goals conceded after 7 games is the worst record after that number of games in Premier League history
Heung-min Son came off the bench to net a second-half hat-trick, as a rampant Tottenham Hotspur put six past a hapless Leicester City side, extending the Foxes losing streak to a worrying six Premier League matches.
In a pulsating opening 45 minutes, there was action aplenty at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, starting with a Leicester penalty just four minutes in. It looked as if Davinson Sánchez, who had been at fault to give the spot-kick away, would be bailed out by teammate Hugo Lloris, only for referee Simon Hooper to order a retake. After seeing his effort saved moments before, Youri Tielemans went the same way, but this time evaded the Tottenham goalkeeper to give Leicester an unlikely lead.
Already wounded from their midweek UEFA Champions League defeat to Sporting CP, Antonio Conte’s side bounced back from the early setback, scoring twice in 13 minutes to tip the game on its head. It started with Harry Kane, whose back-post header restored parity, while taking the England international’s record to 18 goals against Leicester in the Premier League. He was joined on the scoresheet by Eric Dier - who was recalled to the national team himself this week - after the defender guided a header beyond a struggling Danny Ward.
Only Bournemouth had conceded more goals heading into the weekend’s action than Leicester, but despite more leakiness at the back, the visitors continued to press for an equaliser. In what was turning into an all-English affair, James Maddison, who continues to be left out of the England side, popped up with a delightful lobbed effort on the brink of HT to ensure the Foxes entered the break on level terms.
However, having worked hard to get back into the game, it would once again be an unforced error that cost Leicester just after the interval. Pouncing on a moment of indecision from the usually-reliable Wilfred Ndidi, Rodrigo Bentancur’s bursting run from deep ended with the midfielder stroking home his first goal in Tottenham white.
An already miserable afternoon would be capped off for Leicester, when Son, yet to score so far this season, came off the bench to net three goals in 15 minutes for a resurgent Tottenham side. The first two came in stylish fashion, with the forward curling home from outside the penalty area, before he marked his return to scoring ways by squeezing home a third just two minutes from time.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)
RODGERS MUST GO & GO NOW - 22 goals conceded after 7 games is the worst record after that number of games in Premier League history
Heung-min Son came off the bench to net a second-half hat-trick, as a rampant Tottenham Hotspur put six past a hapless Leicester City side, extending the Foxes losing streak to a worrying six Premier League matches.
In a pulsating opening 45 minutes, there was action aplenty at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, starting with a Leicester penalty just four minutes in. It looked as if Davinson Sánchez, who had been at fault to give the spot-kick away, would be bailed out by teammate Hugo Lloris, only for referee Simon Hooper to order a retake. After seeing his effort saved moments before, Youri Tielemans went the same way, but this time evaded the Tottenham goalkeeper to give Leicester an unlikely lead.
Already wounded from their midweek UEFA Champions League defeat to Sporting CP, Antonio Conte’s side bounced back from the early setback, scoring twice in 13 minutes to tip the game on its head. It started with Harry Kane, whose back-post header restored parity, while taking the England international’s record to 18 goals against Leicester in the Premier League. He was joined on the scoresheet by Eric Dier - who was recalled to the national team himself this week - after the defender guided a header beyond a struggling Danny Ward.
Only Bournemouth had conceded more goals heading into the weekend’s action than Leicester, but despite more leakiness at the back, the visitors continued to press for an equaliser. In what was turning into an all-English affair, James Maddison, who continues to be left out of the England side, popped up with a delightful lobbed effort on the brink of HT to ensure the Foxes entered the break on level terms.
However, having worked hard to get back into the game, it would once again be an unforced error that cost Leicester just after the interval. Pouncing on a moment of indecision from the usually-reliable Wilfred Ndidi, Rodrigo Bentancur’s bursting run from deep ended with the midfielder stroking home his first goal in Tottenham white.
An already miserable afternoon would be capped off for Leicester, when Son, yet to score so far this season, came off the bench to net three goals in 15 minutes for a resurgent Tottenham side. The first two came in stylish fashion, with the forward curling home from outside the penalty area, before he marked his return to scoring ways by squeezing home a third just two minutes from time.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)
Leicester City's bid to expand King Power given go ahead
Councillors also gave a ruling in principle on second plan which will transform the area round the stadium
Leicester City have been given the go ahead to add an extra 8,000 seats to the King Power Stadium after the club's expansion plans were approved by councillors. A new upper tier will be added to the East Stand, which will also expand behind the existing structure, taking the total stadium capacity from 32,312 to around 40,000.
On the lower levels, there would be hospitality suites, catering facilities, a 'sensory room' and a first aid room. The expansion would also wrap around the North and South stands at the same height as the existing levels.
A second outline application which will transform the area around the King Power was also given the go ahead. It includes a new 220-room hotel, a fanzone, 20-storey block of 234 new homes, a new club shop, a completely separate 6,000-seat indoor arena and multi-storey car park for around 525 cars and 80 bicycles.
Members of Leicester City Council's planning committee tonight, Wednesday, September 14, expressed their excitement about the expansion plans and the benefits it would bring to the city – including more employment, a boost to the economy and improving Leicester’s standing as a city and as a club – and to fans. They also expressed their gratitude to the club and its owner Khun Vichai for all they have done locally.
Councillor Teresa Aldred said: “For me to be able to see so many more people be able to access football, I really welcome the seating. I’ve looked at [the plan] and it think it is absolutely beautiful. There’s going to be so many children out there and so many families who are now going to be able to go to Leicester City football. I think they are an amazing club. I wholeheartedly welcome this application.”
An overview of the the planned King Power Stadium redevelopments, which shows 'The Avenue', a walkway from Aylestone Road, between the arena and hotel, and into the fanzone and stadium (Image: LCFC)The club also wants to double the number of non-sporting events such as concerts that can be held at the ground from the current five per year. It also wishes to increase the numbers attending those events to a maximum capacity from 36,000 to 48,950.
The new shop would be on the east side of the stadium, close to Raw Dykes Road under the current plan. The hotel, which would have food and drink outlets and a business centre, would be to the south of the store and the flats to the south east of that.
What the view of the expanded East Stand will look like from the West StandHowever, neighbouring Some concerns were raised about the wider plans outside the stadium by the neighbouring Leicester Electricity Sports Cricket Club. Spokesperson Keith Webster said they were fully onboard with the stadium expansion but fear the height of the hotel would overshadow their pitch and increase in traffic.
However, planning officers said they did not consider the overshadowing of the cricket grounds to be unacceptable. They added a series of measures were being arranged to help ease congestion, including encouraging people to use public transport or, if they insisted on driving, to park in a way that would not impact on city streets.
(Image: Leicester City Football Club)In putting forward the motion to approve to the two parts of the application, Chair of the meeting Councillor Vijay Singh Riyait said: “This is a significant development not only for the club, but also for the city which will provide not only further development for that area, which for a long time I think has needed it, but also it’s a contribution to the cultural and social life of this city.” The motion was seconded by Coun Aldred and unanimously approved.
The club will have five years to start work on the stadium expansion. It will also have five years to submit a full planning document for phase two of the scheme.
A decision was originally due on the application in February and the council has missed two further deadlines – one in April and one at the end of July – since. A spokesperson for the council previously said delays are common in such complex planning cases.
Leicestershire Live
Councillors also gave a ruling in principle on second plan which will transform the area round the stadium
Leicester City have been given the go ahead to add an extra 8,000 seats to the King Power Stadium after the club's expansion plans were approved by councillors. A new upper tier will be added to the East Stand, which will also expand behind the existing structure, taking the total stadium capacity from 32,312 to around 40,000.
On the lower levels, there would be hospitality suites, catering facilities, a 'sensory room' and a first aid room. The expansion would also wrap around the North and South stands at the same height as the existing levels.
A second outline application which will transform the area around the King Power was also given the go ahead. It includes a new 220-room hotel, a fanzone, 20-storey block of 234 new homes, a new club shop, a completely separate 6,000-seat indoor arena and multi-storey car park for around 525 cars and 80 bicycles.
Members of Leicester City Council's planning committee tonight, Wednesday, September 14, expressed their excitement about the expansion plans and the benefits it would bring to the city – including more employment, a boost to the economy and improving Leicester’s standing as a city and as a club – and to fans. They also expressed their gratitude to the club and its owner Khun Vichai for all they have done locally.
Councillor Teresa Aldred said: “For me to be able to see so many more people be able to access football, I really welcome the seating. I’ve looked at [the plan] and it think it is absolutely beautiful. There’s going to be so many children out there and so many families who are now going to be able to go to Leicester City football. I think they are an amazing club. I wholeheartedly welcome this application.”
An overview of the the planned King Power Stadium redevelopments, which shows 'The Avenue', a walkway from Aylestone Road, between the arena and hotel, and into the fanzone and stadium (Image: LCFC)The club also wants to double the number of non-sporting events such as concerts that can be held at the ground from the current five per year. It also wishes to increase the numbers attending those events to a maximum capacity from 36,000 to 48,950.
The new shop would be on the east side of the stadium, close to Raw Dykes Road under the current plan. The hotel, which would have food and drink outlets and a business centre, would be to the south of the store and the flats to the south east of that.
What the view of the expanded East Stand will look like from the West StandHowever, neighbouring Some concerns were raised about the wider plans outside the stadium by the neighbouring Leicester Electricity Sports Cricket Club. Spokesperson Keith Webster said they were fully onboard with the stadium expansion but fear the height of the hotel would overshadow their pitch and increase in traffic.
However, planning officers said they did not consider the overshadowing of the cricket grounds to be unacceptable. They added a series of measures were being arranged to help ease congestion, including encouraging people to use public transport or, if they insisted on driving, to park in a way that would not impact on city streets.
(Image: Leicester City Football Club)In putting forward the motion to approve to the two parts of the application, Chair of the meeting Councillor Vijay Singh Riyait said: “This is a significant development not only for the club, but also for the city which will provide not only further development for that area, which for a long time I think has needed it, but also it’s a contribution to the cultural and social life of this city.” The motion was seconded by Coun Aldred and unanimously approved.
The club will have five years to start work on the stadium expansion. It will also have five years to submit a full planning document for phase two of the scheme.
A decision was originally due on the application in February and the council has missed two further deadlines – one in April and one at the end of July – since. A spokesperson for the council previously said delays are common in such complex planning cases.
Leicestershire Live
Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City's new transfer chief hold talks over future windows
City's new head of recruitment Martyn Glover began work with the club at the weekend following his move from Southampton, and planning now begins for upcoming transfer windows
Leicester City’s new head of recruitment Martyn Glover has started his work at the club as thoughts turn towards upcoming transfer windows.
Glover took up his position at City over the weekend after his period of gardening leave at Southampton ended. Following Lee Congerton’s departure to Atalanta in the spring, City picked out Glover as his replacement, but as part of his exit from the Saints he was not able to start at the club until after the end of the summer transfer window.
It was a window that did not go to plan for City, and particularly for manager Brendan Rodgers. He had hoped for five or six new faces as part of a shake-up of the squad, but financial concerns and an inability to move players through the exit door left the club with just one new outfield player in the form of centre-back Wout Faes.
The question for City is whether their finances impact their business in January, when the transfer window reopens, or whether the £70m sale of Wesley Fofana will open the door for business to be done. If there is scope for signings, Glover will be at the heart of the deals.
“He’s been in from the weekend, so I’ve had some good conversations with Martyn,” Rodgers said this week. Asked if those conversations were related to the January transfer window, the manager replied: “Well, it’s about planning,” adding that he had not yet been given any indication of what the club might be able to do in the new year.
After the defeat at Brighton, Rodgers had suggested that he needed the winter window to turn around City’s form. He said that when he joined a struggling Watford side in his first managerial job, the signings made in January helped him improve the club’s form.
Asked if he had ever been in a similar situation to the one he is currently in at City, he said: “My first job is the only time. When I went into Watford, they were in the bottom three. I went in around November (2008). I looked to pick the group up and then we made signings in January and that made the difference.”
Glover’s deals with the Saints may give an insight into the sort of business he may do at City. He had particular joy in bringing in young, inexperienced players from the academies of the country’s elite clubs, with Kyle Walker-Peters joining from Spurs for £13m and going on to become an England international with Southampton.
Last summer, the Saints signed two players from Chelsea who went on to be big hits. Full-back Tino Livramento joined for £6m and the teenager impressed until he suffered an ACL injury in April. Striker Armando Broja also proved to be a successful signing on loan, and he has been playing in Chelsea’s first team this season.
Leicestershire Live
City's new head of recruitment Martyn Glover began work with the club at the weekend following his move from Southampton, and planning now begins for upcoming transfer windows
Leicester City’s new head of recruitment Martyn Glover has started his work at the club as thoughts turn towards upcoming transfer windows.
Glover took up his position at City over the weekend after his period of gardening leave at Southampton ended. Following Lee Congerton’s departure to Atalanta in the spring, City picked out Glover as his replacement, but as part of his exit from the Saints he was not able to start at the club until after the end of the summer transfer window.
It was a window that did not go to plan for City, and particularly for manager Brendan Rodgers. He had hoped for five or six new faces as part of a shake-up of the squad, but financial concerns and an inability to move players through the exit door left the club with just one new outfield player in the form of centre-back Wout Faes.
The question for City is whether their finances impact their business in January, when the transfer window reopens, or whether the £70m sale of Wesley Fofana will open the door for business to be done. If there is scope for signings, Glover will be at the heart of the deals.
“He’s been in from the weekend, so I’ve had some good conversations with Martyn,” Rodgers said this week. Asked if those conversations were related to the January transfer window, the manager replied: “Well, it’s about planning,” adding that he had not yet been given any indication of what the club might be able to do in the new year.
After the defeat at Brighton, Rodgers had suggested that he needed the winter window to turn around City’s form. He said that when he joined a struggling Watford side in his first managerial job, the signings made in January helped him improve the club’s form.
Asked if he had ever been in a similar situation to the one he is currently in at City, he said: “My first job is the only time. When I went into Watford, they were in the bottom three. I went in around November (2008). I looked to pick the group up and then we made signings in January and that made the difference.”
Glover’s deals with the Saints may give an insight into the sort of business he may do at City. He had particular joy in bringing in young, inexperienced players from the academies of the country’s elite clubs, with Kyle Walker-Peters joining from Spurs for £13m and going on to become an England international with Southampton.
Last summer, the Saints signed two players from Chelsea who went on to be big hits. Full-back Tino Livramento joined for £6m and the teenager impressed until he suffered an ACL injury in April. Striker Armando Broja also proved to be a successful signing on loan, and he has been playing in Chelsea’s first team this season.
Leicestershire Live
Meet the USA coach and Danish title-winner tasked with solving big Leicester City problem
Lars Knudsen is now in place at City after a two-month wait for a visa, with the former Midtjylland assistant manager looking to resolve the club's Achilles' heel
Leicester City’s specialist set-piece coach has finally arrived at the club to help the squad with their Achilles’ heel.
Lars Knudsen arrived at the club last week, manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed, after a two-month delay. Rodgers revealed at the start of August that the club had recruited a set-piece coach but that the process of bringing him in had taken three or four weeks to that point, with City seeking the FA’s help to get him a visa.
With those issues sorted, Knudsen can get down to business at Seagrave. Twenty-one of the 59 Premier League goals City conceded came from dead-ball situations last season, and they would have finished in the top six had they cut out even half of those. They were also knocked out of Europe after Tammy Abraham’s header from a corner for Roma.
Open-play defending has been the issue this term, but City did concede from a corner in their second game, at Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus nodding in. Knudsen’s task will be to sharpen City up defensively, while also making them a bigger threat in attack.
The Dane is highly-rated in the field and will double up with his duties as set-piece coach for the USA national team, having been appointed to the role earlier in the summer in preparation for the World Cup in Qatar this winter. Previously, he was head coach of Denmark's national youth teams, while he was formerly assistant manager at Midtjylland, where he won the Danish title in 2018. The club's success was built on a strong set-piece game, with 25 of their 80 goals coming from dead balls.
Rodgers said on Knudsen’s appointment at his press conference on Thursday: “He currently works for the USA national team as set-piece coach. He worked before with the Danish national team and was also an assistant manager in Denmark.
“He came very highly recommended. Lars worked closely with the guy who has been appointed as set-piece coach for the German national team (Mads Buttgereit), they worked very closely together. We’re delighted to have him in. It took a long time for him to come in. He’s settled in very well.”
But Rodgers knows his success will also be about the team’s application at set-pieces. After conceding from a long throw against Southampton, and asked whether it was something a specialist coach could fix, Rodgers said: “He’s not coming in with a magic wand.
“He’s going to give us a lot of analysis and he’s a very skilled coach. If you don’t get first contact, a set-piece coach can’t make a difference to that.”
Leicestershire Live
Lars Knudsen is now in place at City after a two-month wait for a visa, with the former Midtjylland assistant manager looking to resolve the club's Achilles' heel
Leicester City’s specialist set-piece coach has finally arrived at the club to help the squad with their Achilles’ heel.
Lars Knudsen arrived at the club last week, manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed, after a two-month delay. Rodgers revealed at the start of August that the club had recruited a set-piece coach but that the process of bringing him in had taken three or four weeks to that point, with City seeking the FA’s help to get him a visa.
With those issues sorted, Knudsen can get down to business at Seagrave. Twenty-one of the 59 Premier League goals City conceded came from dead-ball situations last season, and they would have finished in the top six had they cut out even half of those. They were also knocked out of Europe after Tammy Abraham’s header from a corner for Roma.
Open-play defending has been the issue this term, but City did concede from a corner in their second game, at Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus nodding in. Knudsen’s task will be to sharpen City up defensively, while also making them a bigger threat in attack.
The Dane is highly-rated in the field and will double up with his duties as set-piece coach for the USA national team, having been appointed to the role earlier in the summer in preparation for the World Cup in Qatar this winter. Previously, he was head coach of Denmark's national youth teams, while he was formerly assistant manager at Midtjylland, where he won the Danish title in 2018. The club's success was built on a strong set-piece game, with 25 of their 80 goals coming from dead balls.
Rodgers said on Knudsen’s appointment at his press conference on Thursday: “He currently works for the USA national team as set-piece coach. He worked before with the Danish national team and was also an assistant manager in Denmark.
“He came very highly recommended. Lars worked closely with the guy who has been appointed as set-piece coach for the German national team (Mads Buttgereit), they worked very closely together. We’re delighted to have him in. It took a long time for him to come in. He’s settled in very well.”
But Rodgers knows his success will also be about the team’s application at set-pieces. After conceding from a long throw against Southampton, and asked whether it was something a specialist coach could fix, Rodgers said: “He’s not coming in with a magic wand.
“He’s going to give us a lot of analysis and he’s a very skilled coach. If you don’t get first contact, a set-piece coach can’t make a difference to that.”
Leicestershire Live
Brendan Rodgers opens door for Leicester City fringe players to 'prove him wrong'
The Leicester City manager informed several members of his squad in May that they would need to find new clubs if they wanted game-time, but many remain in his group
Players told by Brendan Rodgers that they had no futures at Leicester City will be able to get themselves back into his reckoning at the club.
Rodgers outlined to members of his squad in May that they may not get as much game-time this season because of the lack of European football, as well as the planned squad refresh. The manager had anticipated that many of those would seek new clubs, but City had just four senior departures this summer: Kasper Schmeichel, Eldin Jakupovic, Hamza Choudhury, and Wesley Fofana.
The likes of Jannik Vestergaard, Boubakary Soumare, Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, and Ryan Bertrand were all expected to be cut from the squad, particularly with the latter three in the final years of their deals. But they remain in Rodgers’ group.
Soyuncu's situation is particularly intriguing. There was a possibility he could still have made a late move to Turkey, with Galatasaray and Besiktas both interested and with the transfer window in his homeland not closing until Thursday night. However, a move did not go through, with reports in Turkey that Soyuncu was not keen on going back.
The centre-back has so far been left out of the City line-up in the Premier League, and he did not even make the bench at Brighton, with Rodgers explaining that he "has been out of form in training" and that it "has been a difficult period for him" because he expected a transfer. He should get a place in the club's 25-man squad though.
Despite those previous messages to fringe players, Rodgers insists he is open enough to welcome them back into contention. Speaking just before the end of the transfer window, he said: “It’s not about building bridges, it’s just being honest and reinforcing where they sit in the structure of the squad. You’re thinking that players will want to play football. Most do. “When you’re open to them and you can speak openly, and tell them where it lies for them, that’s all you can do. I don’t fall out with players. I speak openly. They appreciate the honesty.
“It’s down to their decision, or their agent’s decision, if they can get a club or whatnot. But what they can never do is say they haven’t been told. They understand the position.”
Rodgers also knows from experience that those players can prove him wrong and show a different side to their game and become key members of the squad again. He said: “I’ve been in a position before where I’ve told a player that he doesn’t fit my style or doesn’t fit my way of working but then they’ve shown me in training that they can change and I see a different side. That was to the point where players I’ve said that to before I’ve actually transferred them when I’ve gone on to other clubs.
“I’m an open coach, I’m not closed, I know exactly how I want to work, how I want to play, I know the type of players I want. But I’m always open for players to prove me wrong, or prove that they have a place in the squad or team.”
Leicestershire Live
The Leicester City manager informed several members of his squad in May that they would need to find new clubs if they wanted game-time, but many remain in his group
Players told by Brendan Rodgers that they had no futures at Leicester City will be able to get themselves back into his reckoning at the club.
Rodgers outlined to members of his squad in May that they may not get as much game-time this season because of the lack of European football, as well as the planned squad refresh. The manager had anticipated that many of those would seek new clubs, but City had just four senior departures this summer: Kasper Schmeichel, Eldin Jakupovic, Hamza Choudhury, and Wesley Fofana.
The likes of Jannik Vestergaard, Boubakary Soumare, Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, and Ryan Bertrand were all expected to be cut from the squad, particularly with the latter three in the final years of their deals. But they remain in Rodgers’ group.
Soyuncu's situation is particularly intriguing. There was a possibility he could still have made a late move to Turkey, with Galatasaray and Besiktas both interested and with the transfer window in his homeland not closing until Thursday night. However, a move did not go through, with reports in Turkey that Soyuncu was not keen on going back.
The centre-back has so far been left out of the City line-up in the Premier League, and he did not even make the bench at Brighton, with Rodgers explaining that he "has been out of form in training" and that it "has been a difficult period for him" because he expected a transfer. He should get a place in the club's 25-man squad though.
Despite those previous messages to fringe players, Rodgers insists he is open enough to welcome them back into contention. Speaking just before the end of the transfer window, he said: “It’s not about building bridges, it’s just being honest and reinforcing where they sit in the structure of the squad. You’re thinking that players will want to play football. Most do. “When you’re open to them and you can speak openly, and tell them where it lies for them, that’s all you can do. I don’t fall out with players. I speak openly. They appreciate the honesty.
“It’s down to their decision, or their agent’s decision, if they can get a club or whatnot. But what they can never do is say they haven’t been told. They understand the position.”
Rodgers also knows from experience that those players can prove him wrong and show a different side to their game and become key members of the squad again. He said: “I’ve been in a position before where I’ve told a player that he doesn’t fit my style or doesn’t fit my way of working but then they’ve shown me in training that they can change and I see a different side. That was to the point where players I’ve said that to before I’ve actually transferred them when I’ve gone on to other clubs.
“I’m an open coach, I’m not closed, I know exactly how I want to work, how I want to play, I know the type of players I want. But I’m always open for players to prove me wrong, or prove that they have a place in the squad or team.”
Leicestershire Live
Striker feels Leicester City journey is not over yet as he tackles 'unfinished business'
The 23-year-old has joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan deal after signing a two-year contract extension with City during the summer
Leicester City’s new head of recruitment Martyn Glover has started his work at the club as thoughts turn towards upcoming transfer windows.
Glover took up his position at City over the weekend after his period of gardening leave at Southampton ended. Following Lee Congerton’s departure to Atalanta in the spring, City picked out Glover as his replacement, but as part of his exit from the Saints he was not able to start at the club until after the end of the summer transfer window.
It was a window that did not go to plan for City, and particularly for manager Brendan Rodgers. He had hoped for five or six new faces as part of a shake-up of the squad, but financial concerns and an inability to move players through the exit door left the club with just one new outfield player in the form of centre-back Wout Faes.
The question for City is whether their finances impact their business in January, when the transfer window reopens, or whether the £70m sale of Wesley Fofana will open the door for business to be done. If there is scope for signings, Glover will be at the heart of the deals.
“He’s been in from the weekend, so I’ve had some good conversations with Martyn,” Rodgers said this week. Asked if those conversations were related to the January transfer window, the manager replied: “Well, it’s about planning,” adding that he had not yet been given any indication of what the club might be able to do in the new year.
After the defeat at Brighton, Rodgers had suggested that he needed the winter window to turn around City’s form. He said that when he joined a struggling Watford side in his first managerial job, the signings made in January helped him improve the club’s form. Asked if he had ever been in a similar situation to the one he is currently in at City, he said: “My first job is the only time. When I went into Watford, they were in the bottom three. I went in around November (2008). I looked to pick the group up and then we made signings in January and that made the difference.”
Glover’s deals with the Saints may give an insight into the sort of business he may do at City. He had particular joy in bringing in young, inexperienced players from the academies of the country’s elite clubs, with Kyle Walker-Peters joining from Spurs for £13m and going on to become an England international with Southampton.
Last summer, the Saints signed two players from Chelsea who went on to be big hits. Full-back Tino Livramento joined for £6m and the teenager impressed until he suffered an ACL injury in April. Striker Armando Broja also proved to be a successful signing on loan, and he has been playing in Chelsea’s first team this season.
Leicestershire Live
The 23-year-old has joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan deal after signing a two-year contract extension with City during the summer
Leicester City’s new head of recruitment Martyn Glover has started his work at the club as thoughts turn towards upcoming transfer windows.
Glover took up his position at City over the weekend after his period of gardening leave at Southampton ended. Following Lee Congerton’s departure to Atalanta in the spring, City picked out Glover as his replacement, but as part of his exit from the Saints he was not able to start at the club until after the end of the summer transfer window.
It was a window that did not go to plan for City, and particularly for manager Brendan Rodgers. He had hoped for five or six new faces as part of a shake-up of the squad, but financial concerns and an inability to move players through the exit door left the club with just one new outfield player in the form of centre-back Wout Faes.
The question for City is whether their finances impact their business in January, when the transfer window reopens, or whether the £70m sale of Wesley Fofana will open the door for business to be done. If there is scope for signings, Glover will be at the heart of the deals.
“He’s been in from the weekend, so I’ve had some good conversations with Martyn,” Rodgers said this week. Asked if those conversations were related to the January transfer window, the manager replied: “Well, it’s about planning,” adding that he had not yet been given any indication of what the club might be able to do in the new year.
After the defeat at Brighton, Rodgers had suggested that he needed the winter window to turn around City’s form. He said that when he joined a struggling Watford side in his first managerial job, the signings made in January helped him improve the club’s form. Asked if he had ever been in a similar situation to the one he is currently in at City, he said: “My first job is the only time. When I went into Watford, they were in the bottom three. I went in around November (2008). I looked to pick the group up and then we made signings in January and that made the difference.”
Glover’s deals with the Saints may give an insight into the sort of business he may do at City. He had particular joy in bringing in young, inexperienced players from the academies of the country’s elite clubs, with Kyle Walker-Peters joining from Spurs for £13m and going on to become an England international with Southampton.
Last summer, the Saints signed two players from Chelsea who went on to be big hits. Full-back Tino Livramento joined for £6m and the teenager impressed until he suffered an ACL injury in April. Striker Armando Broja also proved to be a successful signing on loan, and he has been playing in Chelsea’s first team this season.
Leicestershire Live
Brighton got the flow with return of the Mac
Brighton and Hove Albion survived a first-half scare to outclass a disjointed Leicester City side, eventually running out 5-2 winners at the AMEX Stadium and extending their unbeaten home Premier League run to seven games.
Precedent favoured the Foxes in this fixture, as both sides hoped to bounce back from mid-week defeats. Leicester City had only lost once in their last ten meetings against the Seagulls, winning six of those games, and took the lead inside a minute, when Patson Daka’s low cross found its way to Kelechi Iheanacho at the back post for a tap-in.
However, it didn’t take long for Brighton to respond, and inside ten minutes, Solly March got on the end of Leandro Trossard’s cross to turn the ball in off Luke Thomas for an unfortunate own goal to level the scoreline.
It only took Brighton a further 15 minutes to showcase Leicester’s defensive frailties again, with Enock Mwepu being allowed to carry the ball over 30 yards unchallenged before slipping in Moisés Caicedo, who found the bottom corner for 2-1. Danny Ward then had his blushes spared after being robbed of the ball by Danny Welbeck, with the forward’s attempted lob going narrowly over the bar.
Leicester responded well with an equaliser against the run of play though, as Daka went from provider to scorer, beautifully taking down Youri Tielemans’ long pass and curling the ball past Robert Sánchez to make it 2-2 at HT. Yet, far from regroup at HT and capitalise in the second half, Leicester began poorly, and Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had a goal of the season contender cruelly ruled out for the tightest of offsides, after a lengthy VAR review disallowed a thunderbolt into the top corner.
Clearly determined to take full points by any means, the Seagulls didn’t let this dishearten them, and they took the lead shortly after. Pascal Groß’ cute pass put Trossard through on goal, and the Belgian made no mistake to restore Brighton's lead.
It then got even worse for the Foxes, when Wilfred Ndidi brought down Trossard in the box, and Mac Allister stepped up from the spot to calmly make it 4-2. But Mac Allister wasn’t finished there, and in injury time the Argentinian scored an incredible free-kick into the top corner to cap off a remarkable performance.
The well-deserved victory keeps Brighton in the UEFA Champions League places, with a superb return of 13 points after six games. In stark contrast, Leicester remain rooted to the bottom of the table with a solitary point, suffering five straight league losses for the first time since 2017 – a sequence which saw title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri dismissed, surely leaving Brendan Rodgers in the last-chance saloon.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Flashscore.co.uk
Brighton and Hove Albion survived a first-half scare to outclass a disjointed Leicester City side, eventually running out 5-2 winners at the AMEX Stadium and extending their unbeaten home Premier League run to seven games.
Precedent favoured the Foxes in this fixture, as both sides hoped to bounce back from mid-week defeats. Leicester City had only lost once in their last ten meetings against the Seagulls, winning six of those games, and took the lead inside a minute, when Patson Daka’s low cross found its way to Kelechi Iheanacho at the back post for a tap-in.
However, it didn’t take long for Brighton to respond, and inside ten minutes, Solly March got on the end of Leandro Trossard’s cross to turn the ball in off Luke Thomas for an unfortunate own goal to level the scoreline.
It only took Brighton a further 15 minutes to showcase Leicester’s defensive frailties again, with Enock Mwepu being allowed to carry the ball over 30 yards unchallenged before slipping in Moisés Caicedo, who found the bottom corner for 2-1. Danny Ward then had his blushes spared after being robbed of the ball by Danny Welbeck, with the forward’s attempted lob going narrowly over the bar.
Leicester responded well with an equaliser against the run of play though, as Daka went from provider to scorer, beautifully taking down Youri Tielemans’ long pass and curling the ball past Robert Sánchez to make it 2-2 at HT. Yet, far from regroup at HT and capitalise in the second half, Leicester began poorly, and Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had a goal of the season contender cruelly ruled out for the tightest of offsides, after a lengthy VAR review disallowed a thunderbolt into the top corner.
Clearly determined to take full points by any means, the Seagulls didn’t let this dishearten them, and they took the lead shortly after. Pascal Groß’ cute pass put Trossard through on goal, and the Belgian made no mistake to restore Brighton's lead.
It then got even worse for the Foxes, when Wilfred Ndidi brought down Trossard in the box, and Mac Allister stepped up from the spot to calmly make it 4-2. But Mac Allister wasn’t finished there, and in injury time the Argentinian scored an incredible free-kick into the top corner to cap off a remarkable performance.
The well-deserved victory keeps Brighton in the UEFA Champions League places, with a superb return of 13 points after six games. In stark contrast, Leicester remain rooted to the bottom of the table with a solitary point, suffering five straight league losses for the first time since 2017 – a sequence which saw title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri dismissed, surely leaving Brendan Rodgers in the last-chance saloon.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Flashscore.co.uk
‘This isn’t the club it was two years ago’ – Rodgers slams Leicester’s transfer business with Foxes bottom of league
BRENDAN RODGERS has slammed Leicester's transfer activity as his Foxes sit rock bottom of the Premier League.
A 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on Thursday night seemed an appropriate way to end the transfer window as it slammed shut.
A dejected Rodgers has bemoaned the lack of signings for LeicesterCredit: Getty
2The Northern irishman admitted 'this isn’t the club that it was 2 years ago'Credit: GettyJadon Sancho’s first half winner has heaped yet more pressure on boss Rodgers. And Speaking after the game, the 49-year-old bemoaned the lack of signings to 5LiveSport.
He said: "This isn’t the club that it was two years ago. That’s the reality. "We haven’t brought any new players in, bar one late on, in the last two windows and that’s a replacement.
"With the greatest respect, we have not had the help in the transfer market that this team has needed."So these players need the supporters. It’s a moment that’s really important."
It comes just days after Scott Parker was sacked after appearing to criticise Bournemouth's transfer strategy. And Rodgers seemed to hint at a farewell in his post-game press-conference. He added: "I've loved every minute of being here. It's the longest I've ever been at a club and that's because of the players and the ownership.
"We've won an FA Cup and Community Shield and you want to build on that but we haven't been able to."
Leicester, who have allowed Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana to leave, have one point from five games.
The 2015-16 Prem champions are in desperate need of a result at Brighton on Sunday.
The Sun
BRENDAN RODGERS has slammed Leicester's transfer activity as his Foxes sit rock bottom of the Premier League.
A 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on Thursday night seemed an appropriate way to end the transfer window as it slammed shut.
A dejected Rodgers has bemoaned the lack of signings for LeicesterCredit: Getty
2The Northern irishman admitted 'this isn’t the club that it was 2 years ago'Credit: GettyJadon Sancho’s first half winner has heaped yet more pressure on boss Rodgers. And Speaking after the game, the 49-year-old bemoaned the lack of signings to 5LiveSport.
He said: "This isn’t the club that it was two years ago. That’s the reality. "We haven’t brought any new players in, bar one late on, in the last two windows and that’s a replacement.
"With the greatest respect, we have not had the help in the transfer market that this team has needed."So these players need the supporters. It’s a moment that’s really important."
It comes just days after Scott Parker was sacked after appearing to criticise Bournemouth's transfer strategy. And Rodgers seemed to hint at a farewell in his post-game press-conference. He added: "I've loved every minute of being here. It's the longest I've ever been at a club and that's because of the players and the ownership.
"We've won an FA Cup and Community Shield and you want to build on that but we haven't been able to."
Leicester, who have allowed Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana to leave, have one point from five games.
The 2015-16 Prem champions are in desperate need of a result at Brighton on Sunday.
The Sun
Foxes left starving as the Reds go marching on
Manchester United sailed to a third consecutive Premier League (PL) victory with a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, leaving the hosts rooted to the bottom of the table and winless in their opening five matches.
Leicester City’s King Power Stadium played host to the Premier League’s only action on transfer deadline day and they managed to keep a renewed Red Devils side at bay for much of the opening half, before finally giving in to a superb counterattack.
Jadon Sancho rounded Danny Ward following Marcus Rashford’s accurate through ball, etching the ball comfortably into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Sitting at the bottom of the league table, the Foxes pushed forward in the hopes of just a second point haul this campaign, but rarely threatened the visitors in the final-third.
The home side did respond after falling behind and Harvey Barnes was key to everything going forward but they struggled to create any significant goal scoring chances. Heading for a third consecutive win, Erik ten Hag went into the break perhaps more satisfied of the two managers.
James Maddison very nearly equalised a few minutes into the second half with a fantastic free-kick into the top right corner but was denied by an outstretched glove of David de Gea, who marvelously thwarted it away to keep his side in the lead. Casemiro’s introduction on the hour mark prompted a discernible change in the away side’s approach, offering the visitors more defensive rigidity in a bid to maintain a second consecutive clean sheet.
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo ten minutes later handed a flurry of chances to United, who previously failed to win 56% of their PL games as away favorites since the start of last season. The Portuguese forward latched onto an accurate cross with an acrobatic bicycle kick that whiskered inches wide of the right post minutes before FT.
Having ended their hellish seven-game losing run on the road following a 1-0 win against Southampton last matchday, the Red Devils cruised to a second successive away win. It registers three consecutive wins for the first time this calendar year – something the club has managed to do every year since 1987. Meanwhile, the defeat heaps further pressure on Brendan Rodgers’ status as Leicester City manager as they remain winless this season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Raphaël Varane (Manchester United)
flashscore.co.uk
Manchester United sailed to a third consecutive Premier League (PL) victory with a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, leaving the hosts rooted to the bottom of the table and winless in their opening five matches.
Leicester City’s King Power Stadium played host to the Premier League’s only action on transfer deadline day and they managed to keep a renewed Red Devils side at bay for much of the opening half, before finally giving in to a superb counterattack.
Jadon Sancho rounded Danny Ward following Marcus Rashford’s accurate through ball, etching the ball comfortably into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Sitting at the bottom of the league table, the Foxes pushed forward in the hopes of just a second point haul this campaign, but rarely threatened the visitors in the final-third.
The home side did respond after falling behind and Harvey Barnes was key to everything going forward but they struggled to create any significant goal scoring chances. Heading for a third consecutive win, Erik ten Hag went into the break perhaps more satisfied of the two managers.
James Maddison very nearly equalised a few minutes into the second half with a fantastic free-kick into the top right corner but was denied by an outstretched glove of David de Gea, who marvelously thwarted it away to keep his side in the lead. Casemiro’s introduction on the hour mark prompted a discernible change in the away side’s approach, offering the visitors more defensive rigidity in a bid to maintain a second consecutive clean sheet.
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo ten minutes later handed a flurry of chances to United, who previously failed to win 56% of their PL games as away favorites since the start of last season. The Portuguese forward latched onto an accurate cross with an acrobatic bicycle kick that whiskered inches wide of the right post minutes before FT.
Having ended their hellish seven-game losing run on the road following a 1-0 win against Southampton last matchday, the Red Devils cruised to a second successive away win. It registers three consecutive wins for the first time this calendar year – something the club has managed to do every year since 1987. Meanwhile, the defeat heaps further pressure on Brendan Rodgers’ status as Leicester City manager as they remain winless this season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Raphaël Varane (Manchester United)
flashscore.co.uk
Leicester City Sign Wout Faes From Reims
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of defender Wout Faes from Ligue 1 side Reims on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance.
More on this story...
- Belgium international Wout Faes joins Leicester City on five-year-deal
- The centre-back signs from Ligue 1 side Reims
- He made his debut for his country in June
The 24-year-old Belgium international made 37 appearances for The Red and Whites last season, with his impressive displays at centre-half earning him the club’s 2021/22 Player of the Season award.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Faes said: “It’s an amazing feeling [to be here]; it’s not sunk in yet. This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here. I’m progressing year after year, and I hope to continue doing the same here. All the facilities and knowledge is here to help me to get even better. I will have to work hard, but I will give 100 per cent to help the team.”
Born in Mol, Belgium, Faes joined Anderlecht’s youth academy in 2012, where he played alongside Youri Tielemans, and signed his first professional contract with the Belgian Pro League side.
He joined Dutch Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen on loan in January 2017, before a season-long loan at Excelsior the following campaign, during which he made 19 appearances for the club in all competitions.
In July 2018, the 24-year-old made the switch to Belgian Pro League side Oostende on a permanent deal. He went on to feature for De Kustboys 63 times in all competitions, scoring once.
A move to Ligue 1 side Reims followed in January 2020, although he was allowed to finish the season with Oostende on loan, before making his debut in France eight months later.
Faes went on to make 75 appearances for The Red and Whites in all competitions, scoring five goals, and was voted the club’s Player of the Season at the end of the last campaign.
He made his debut for Belgium in their 6-1 Nations League victory over Poland in June, appearing alongside new Foxes teammates Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of defender Wout Faes from Ligue 1 side Reims on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance.
More on this story...
- Belgium international Wout Faes joins Leicester City on five-year-deal
- The centre-back signs from Ligue 1 side Reims
- He made his debut for his country in June
The 24-year-old Belgium international made 37 appearances for The Red and Whites last season, with his impressive displays at centre-half earning him the club’s 2021/22 Player of the Season award.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Faes said: “It’s an amazing feeling [to be here]; it’s not sunk in yet. This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here. I’m progressing year after year, and I hope to continue doing the same here. All the facilities and knowledge is here to help me to get even better. I will have to work hard, but I will give 100 per cent to help the team.”
Born in Mol, Belgium, Faes joined Anderlecht’s youth academy in 2012, where he played alongside Youri Tielemans, and signed his first professional contract with the Belgian Pro League side.
He joined Dutch Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen on loan in January 2017, before a season-long loan at Excelsior the following campaign, during which he made 19 appearances for the club in all competitions.
In July 2018, the 24-year-old made the switch to Belgian Pro League side Oostende on a permanent deal. He went on to feature for De Kustboys 63 times in all competitions, scoring once.
A move to Ligue 1 side Reims followed in January 2020, although he was allowed to finish the season with Oostende on loan, before making his debut in France eight months later.
Faes went on to make 75 appearances for The Red and Whites in all competitions, scoring five goals, and was voted the club’s Player of the Season at the end of the last campaign.
He made his debut for Belgium in their 6-1 Nations League victory over Poland in June, appearing alongside new Foxes teammates Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City complete seventh loan transfer as striker pens new contract
Leicester City striker George Hirst has joined Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old striker has also signed a new three-year deal at the King Power Stadium, committing him to the club until the summer of 2025. His new loan club have also confirmed they hold an option to buy Hirst once his loan comes to an end next summer.
City have given Blackburn permission to play Hirst in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, despite Leicester being in both competitions. He will play under the management of former Newcastle and Denmark forward Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Hirst burst onto the scene as a young striker at George Hirst, breaking scoring records at academy level and looking set to follow in the footsteps of his father David, a former England international and Owls legend. He then signed for City's sister club OH Leuven in 2018 before moving to Leicester a year later.
“We are delighted to welcome George to Blackburn Rovers," the Championship side's director of football Gregg Broughton told rovers.co.uk. “He has been our first choice recruitment target as a striker all summer and, considering Jon Dahl’s knowledge of the position, this shows just how highly we regard him.
“Jon has been able to clearly communicate to George how he will fit into our style of play and George has been able to explain how he feels we could get the best out of him both personally and professionally.
“Rovers fans should look forward to seeing a striker with a goal threat, good link-up play, the ability to press from the front and an ideal mentality for our environment."
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City striker George Hirst has joined Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old striker has also signed a new three-year deal at the King Power Stadium, committing him to the club until the summer of 2025. His new loan club have also confirmed they hold an option to buy Hirst once his loan comes to an end next summer.
City have given Blackburn permission to play Hirst in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, despite Leicester being in both competitions. He will play under the management of former Newcastle and Denmark forward Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Hirst burst onto the scene as a young striker at George Hirst, breaking scoring records at academy level and looking set to follow in the footsteps of his father David, a former England international and Owls legend. He then signed for City's sister club OH Leuven in 2018 before moving to Leicester a year later.
“We are delighted to welcome George to Blackburn Rovers," the Championship side's director of football Gregg Broughton told rovers.co.uk. “He has been our first choice recruitment target as a striker all summer and, considering Jon Dahl’s knowledge of the position, this shows just how highly we regard him.
“Jon has been able to clearly communicate to George how he will fit into our style of play and George has been able to explain how he feels we could get the best out of him both personally and professionally.
“Rovers fans should look forward to seeing a striker with a goal threat, good link-up play, the ability to press from the front and an ideal mentality for our environment."
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City 'agree' bumper contract with Wesley Fofana replacement
Reims defender Wout Faes has "agreed" a five-year contract with Leicester City, according to reports.
The 24 year-old is seen as a replacement for Wesley Fofana, whose transfer to Chelsea seems to be imminent. City have been linked with a host of central defenders in recent days ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.
Faes is widely regarded as a rising star in French football and has been linked with both Newcastle United and Torino over the summer. He made 37 appearances for Reims in Ligue 1 last season, his impressive displays earning him the club's 2021-22 Player of the Season award.
The defender came through the academy ranks at Anderlecht with City midfielder Youri Tielemans, the duo being at the Belgian club together between 2012 and 2017 before Tielemans moved to Monaco.
Faes has also played alongside Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet for the Belgium national team, having made his international debut in their 6-1 Nations League victory over Poland back in June.
He is now set to link up with his international teammates on a more permanent basis, according to Belgian newspaper HLN. They report: "Wout Faes stands on the point of making an absolute top transfer. The 24-year-old defender from Stade Reims has agreed a five-year contract with Leicester City.
"How much The Foxes pay is not known, but it is a higher sum than the 12 million euros that Torino offered a few weeks ago. As soon as the last points and commas are made, the transfer of the Red Devils (player), who came from Anderlecht and KV Oostende, will be officially announced."
Leicestershire Live
Reims defender Wout Faes has "agreed" a five-year contract with Leicester City, according to reports.
The 24 year-old is seen as a replacement for Wesley Fofana, whose transfer to Chelsea seems to be imminent. City have been linked with a host of central defenders in recent days ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.
Faes is widely regarded as a rising star in French football and has been linked with both Newcastle United and Torino over the summer. He made 37 appearances for Reims in Ligue 1 last season, his impressive displays earning him the club's 2021-22 Player of the Season award.
The defender came through the academy ranks at Anderlecht with City midfielder Youri Tielemans, the duo being at the Belgian club together between 2012 and 2017 before Tielemans moved to Monaco.
Faes has also played alongside Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet for the Belgium national team, having made his international debut in their 6-1 Nations League victory over Poland back in June.
He is now set to link up with his international teammates on a more permanent basis, according to Belgian newspaper HLN. They report: "Wout Faes stands on the point of making an absolute top transfer. The 24-year-old defender from Stade Reims has agreed a five-year contract with Leicester City.
"How much The Foxes pay is not known, but it is a higher sum than the 12 million euros that Torino offered a few weeks ago. As soon as the last points and commas are made, the transfer of the Red Devils (player), who came from Anderlecht and KV Oostende, will be officially announced."
Leicestershire Live
Leicester and Everton in transfer fight for ex-West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira
LEICESTER and Everton are weighing up a late move for ex-West Brom star Matheus Pereira.
Brazilian Pereira, 26, left the Baggies to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal last year.
1
Leicester and Everton are both interested in former West Brom ace Matheus PereiraCredit: PAHe scored 11 goals and provided six assists for West Brom in 33 Premier League matches before moving to the Middle East.
But the attacking midfielder is now keen to return to top-level football and would be open to a transfer in the final week of the window.
Leicester were interested in Arsenal wideman Nicolas Pepe until he made a loan move to Nice. Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers wants to add to his attacking options before Thursday’s deadline.
The Foxes have only managed to sign one player this summer - in the form of goalkeeper Alex Smithies who they snagged on a free transfer.
And Leicester plan to use the £70million lump sum their set to receive for Chelsea-bound Wesley Fofana to strengthen their squad ahead of the looming transfer deadline.
Everton also want to reinforce their forward line and are aware of Pereira’s availability.
It's been a busy transfer window in contrast for the Toffees who have made six signings this summer.
The Sun
LEICESTER and Everton are weighing up a late move for ex-West Brom star Matheus Pereira.
Brazilian Pereira, 26, left the Baggies to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal last year.
1
Leicester and Everton are both interested in former West Brom ace Matheus PereiraCredit: PAHe scored 11 goals and provided six assists for West Brom in 33 Premier League matches before moving to the Middle East.
But the attacking midfielder is now keen to return to top-level football and would be open to a transfer in the final week of the window.
Leicester were interested in Arsenal wideman Nicolas Pepe until he made a loan move to Nice. Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers wants to add to his attacking options before Thursday’s deadline.
The Foxes have only managed to sign one player this summer - in the form of goalkeeper Alex Smithies who they snagged on a free transfer.
And Leicester plan to use the £70million lump sum their set to receive for Chelsea-bound Wesley Fofana to strengthen their squad ahead of the looming transfer deadline.
Everton also want to reinforce their forward line and are aware of Pereira’s availability.
It's been a busy transfer window in contrast for the Toffees who have made six signings this summer.
The Sun
Wesley Fofana set for Chelsea medical ahead of £70m Leicester City transfer
Wesley Fofana is reportedly set to undergo a medical at Chelsea today (Sunday) ahead of his big-money move from Leicester City.
Fofana was absent from the Leicester team once again on Saturday as Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That came after widespread reports on Friday evening that a fee of £70million plus add-ons been agreed between the two clubs.
The French defender effectively confirmed the impending transfer when responding to a comment from City legend Gary Lineker on Twitter. However, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers and Chelsea counterpart Thomas Tuchel were remaining tight-lipped on the details of the deal in their latest post-match interviews.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to provide an update on Sunday morning. He posted: "Wesley Fofana medical as new Chelsea player has been scheduled today, as expected - the main part will be completed in the next hours, contracts will be signed also on player side right after.
"Chelsea and Leicester agreed fee since Friday - here we go confirmed."
Asked about Fofana after the Chelsea game, Rodgers said: “I don’t have anything in all honesty. If there is anything, the club will announce that.
“The club always has options (for replacements). At this late stage, it can be difficult, but for any players that move on, there are always options there to come in.
“It’s the same with any player. For me, if they decide they want to move, and if they see their future elsewhere, it’s always better to have it done as quickly as you can because you have to prepare a group of players and maybe have to replace that player.
“It’s only normal. Every coach would tell you the same. It doesn’t benefit anyone if it drags on. We’ll see what happens over the weekend.
“There’s no doubt that when the window shuts, everything calms down. It’s been a challenging window for us, there’s no doubt. We’ve been unable to add and there’s been speculation around a number of our top players.
“There’s no doubt that's been difficult. It will shut on Thursday and we can all move on. Everything will become calm again.”
Leicestershire Live
Wesley Fofana is reportedly set to undergo a medical at Chelsea today (Sunday) ahead of his big-money move from Leicester City.
Fofana was absent from the Leicester team once again on Saturday as Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That came after widespread reports on Friday evening that a fee of £70million plus add-ons been agreed between the two clubs.
The French defender effectively confirmed the impending transfer when responding to a comment from City legend Gary Lineker on Twitter. However, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers and Chelsea counterpart Thomas Tuchel were remaining tight-lipped on the details of the deal in their latest post-match interviews.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to provide an update on Sunday morning. He posted: "Wesley Fofana medical as new Chelsea player has been scheduled today, as expected - the main part will be completed in the next hours, contracts will be signed also on player side right after.
"Chelsea and Leicester agreed fee since Friday - here we go confirmed."
Asked about Fofana after the Chelsea game, Rodgers said: “I don’t have anything in all honesty. If there is anything, the club will announce that.
“The club always has options (for replacements). At this late stage, it can be difficult, but for any players that move on, there are always options there to come in.
“It’s the same with any player. For me, if they decide they want to move, and if they see their future elsewhere, it’s always better to have it done as quickly as you can because you have to prepare a group of players and maybe have to replace that player.
“It’s only normal. Every coach would tell you the same. It doesn’t benefit anyone if it drags on. We’ll see what happens over the weekend.
“There’s no doubt that when the window shuts, everything calms down. It’s been a challenging window for us, there’s no doubt. We’ve been unable to add and there’s been speculation around a number of our top players.
“There’s no doubt that's been difficult. It will shut on Thursday and we can all move on. Everything will become calm again.”
Leicestershire Live
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City
Sterling scores priceless brace for ten-man Blues
Raheem Sterling scored a valuable second-half brace in a narrow 2-1 win against Leicester City, handing Chelsea a third win from their last four Premier League (PL) H2Hs.
Chelsea exuded confidence from the outset, knowing well that only a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward was first forced into a superb point-blank save by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, before the versatile midfielder’s penalty appeal was turned down for offside in the build-up play following a VAR review.
The game then unexpectedly turned on its head midway through the half. Conor Gallagher was shown two yellow cards in the space of five minutes, with his second arriving on the back of a cynical challenge on Harvey Barnes.
As one of the five PL sides yet to win a match so far this season, the Foxes came close to conceding the opener following Reece James’ thunderous rebound strike that rattled the crossbar. Chances came far and few between for Leicester, who despite being a man up, could rarely carve out a clear-cut opportunity before the break.
Brendan Rodgers’ men were made to regret their missed chances immediately after the restart. An edge-of-the-box shot by Sterling saw the ball go in via a wicked deflection, as the former Manchester City man celebrated his first Blues goal.
He almost doubled his tally minutes later, but a fantastic toe-poke save by Ward temporarily denied Sterling another moment of glory. The enigmatic forward didn’t have to wait long for his second though, getting on the end of an exquisite cross to convert just after the hour mark.
However, in the blink of an eye, Chelsea’s buffer was halved in the 67th minute, when Barnes picked up a ball on the left wing and displayed brilliant composure to fire a superb finish past Edouard Mendy.
Jamie Vardy tested the Blues backline time and again, but Mendy’s heroics coupled with Leicester’s own shortcomings meant the Foxes couldn’t find the equaliser, adding more frustration as they remain winless this term. Meanwhile, a spirited performance by Chelsea means they are now unbeaten in five successive home games.
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling (Chelsea FC)
Flashscore.co.uk
Sterling scores priceless brace for ten-man Blues
Raheem Sterling scored a valuable second-half brace in a narrow 2-1 win against Leicester City, handing Chelsea a third win from their last four Premier League (PL) H2Hs.
Chelsea exuded confidence from the outset, knowing well that only a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward was first forced into a superb point-blank save by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, before the versatile midfielder’s penalty appeal was turned down for offside in the build-up play following a VAR review.
The game then unexpectedly turned on its head midway through the half. Conor Gallagher was shown two yellow cards in the space of five minutes, with his second arriving on the back of a cynical challenge on Harvey Barnes.
As one of the five PL sides yet to win a match so far this season, the Foxes came close to conceding the opener following Reece James’ thunderous rebound strike that rattled the crossbar. Chances came far and few between for Leicester, who despite being a man up, could rarely carve out a clear-cut opportunity before the break.
Brendan Rodgers’ men were made to regret their missed chances immediately after the restart. An edge-of-the-box shot by Sterling saw the ball go in via a wicked deflection, as the former Manchester City man celebrated his first Blues goal.
He almost doubled his tally minutes later, but a fantastic toe-poke save by Ward temporarily denied Sterling another moment of glory. The enigmatic forward didn’t have to wait long for his second though, getting on the end of an exquisite cross to convert just after the hour mark.
However, in the blink of an eye, Chelsea’s buffer was halved in the 67th minute, when Barnes picked up a ball on the left wing and displayed brilliant composure to fire a superb finish past Edouard Mendy.
Jamie Vardy tested the Blues backline time and again, but Mendy’s heroics coupled with Leicester’s own shortcomings meant the Foxes couldn’t find the equaliser, adding more frustration as they remain winless this term. Meanwhile, a spirited performance by Chelsea means they are now unbeaten in five successive home games.
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling (Chelsea FC)
Flashscore.co.uk
Wesley Fofana to Chelsea: Leicester City 'agree' transfer fee, replacement, and who said what
Chelsea are understood to be closing in on the signing of Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.
The clubs have been in protracted negotiations for the centre-half, who has been a long-term target of the Blues. And there was reportedly a breakthrough in those talks on Friday evening. It has been reported that Leicester and Chelsea have agreed an initial fee of £70million for Fofana, plus add-ons which could take the deal close to or above the £80m for which City sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United in 2019 - a world record for a defender.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has made 52 appearances for Leicester since joining from St Etienne in October 2020. He did not feature against Southampton last weekend due to the speculation over his future.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on Saturday morning that "Chelsea are preparing documents to complete Wesley Fofana deal during the weekend". He added: "Wesley will sign until June 2028, waiting for paperwork and final details. He only wanted Chelsea move - and the deal is finally set to be completed."
Romano then added an update shortly afterwards, saying: "Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, here we go! Documents are almost ready as Leicester and Chelsea reached an agreement on the fee on Friday, confirmed. "Fofana will sign until June 2028 as new Chelsea player. Fee around £75m [add-ons included]. Time to prepare documents now."
What Brendan Rodgers has said
"In terms of Wesley, just a young player who is not quite in the right frame of mind at the moment to play," City boss Rodgers said after the 2-1 loss to Southampton. “A lot going on behind the scenes, which I understand. It's a difficult moment for him.
"He's a good kid, he's been great for us whilst he's been here and at this moment it's a difficult one for him. You can't afford that, certainly playing a Premier League game if you're not 100 per cent fully focused.
"He won’t be available for the weekend (against Chelsea on Saturday). He has trained with our Under-21 squad.
“For me, it’s always about the commitment and when the players are ready to commit to the ethos of the team. If they’re not in the right frame of mind, we have to move on. The window will shut and then things will become clearer.”
What Thomas Tuchel has said
Asked about Fofana training with City’s Under-21s, Chelsea boss Tuchel replied: “It’s your job to read into that. It’s not our player. It’s their decision and where it has to stay.”
On transfers, Tuchel added: “We have some ideas but maybe nobody comes in. It’s not a long window anymore, it closes soon.
“The focus is on the things we can influence. Everybody else is not our decision. No matter what we want, there are always several parties involved that have to agree.”
What Fofana has said
Fofana took to social media on Friday to highlight that an Instagram story under his name claiming all that he wants to do is leave is "fake".
The Instagram story in question read: "All I wanna do is leave Leicester and join Chelsea," followed by three crying emojis. On his official account on the platform, the player reposted the image above the phrase "is fake" and a red cross emoji.
Fofana expanded further on Twitter in a post translated from the defender's native tongue. "Ah now it invents Instagram stories with my name," the tweet reads and is signed off by a trio of crying laughing emojis and another three face palm emojis.
Fofana replacement
Borussia Dortmund centre-back Manuel Akanji has been named as a target for City as they look to replace Fofana, writes Jordan Blackwell. Anybody coming into the club would likely be a new partner for Jonny Evans in the centre of defence, a spot occupied by Daniel Amartey while Fofana has been left out of the first team.
The Switzerland international’s contract with Dortmund expires next summer, and varying reports say his price-tag will be somewhere between £13m and £17m. He was a regular in Dortmund’s back-line for four years, but has fallen down the pecking order this summer after the Bundesliga club signed Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Another centre-back who has been linked is Atalanta’s Merih Demiral. City have long chased the Turkey international and bid for him when he was with Juventus, in January 2020.
Chelsea are understood to be closing in on the signing of Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.
The clubs have been in protracted negotiations for the centre-half, who has been a long-term target of the Blues. And there was reportedly a breakthrough in those talks on Friday evening. It has been reported that Leicester and Chelsea have agreed an initial fee of £70million for Fofana, plus add-ons which could take the deal close to or above the £80m for which City sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United in 2019 - a world record for a defender.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has made 52 appearances for Leicester since joining from St Etienne in October 2020. He did not feature against Southampton last weekend due to the speculation over his future.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on Saturday morning that "Chelsea are preparing documents to complete Wesley Fofana deal during the weekend". He added: "Wesley will sign until June 2028, waiting for paperwork and final details. He only wanted Chelsea move - and the deal is finally set to be completed."
Romano then added an update shortly afterwards, saying: "Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, here we go! Documents are almost ready as Leicester and Chelsea reached an agreement on the fee on Friday, confirmed. "Fofana will sign until June 2028 as new Chelsea player. Fee around £75m [add-ons included]. Time to prepare documents now."
What Brendan Rodgers has said
"In terms of Wesley, just a young player who is not quite in the right frame of mind at the moment to play," City boss Rodgers said after the 2-1 loss to Southampton. “A lot going on behind the scenes, which I understand. It's a difficult moment for him.
"He's a good kid, he's been great for us whilst he's been here and at this moment it's a difficult one for him. You can't afford that, certainly playing a Premier League game if you're not 100 per cent fully focused.
"He won’t be available for the weekend (against Chelsea on Saturday). He has trained with our Under-21 squad.
“For me, it’s always about the commitment and when the players are ready to commit to the ethos of the team. If they’re not in the right frame of mind, we have to move on. The window will shut and then things will become clearer.”
What Thomas Tuchel has said
Asked about Fofana training with City’s Under-21s, Chelsea boss Tuchel replied: “It’s your job to read into that. It’s not our player. It’s their decision and where it has to stay.”
On transfers, Tuchel added: “We have some ideas but maybe nobody comes in. It’s not a long window anymore, it closes soon.
“The focus is on the things we can influence. Everybody else is not our decision. No matter what we want, there are always several parties involved that have to agree.”
What Fofana has said
Fofana took to social media on Friday to highlight that an Instagram story under his name claiming all that he wants to do is leave is "fake".
The Instagram story in question read: "All I wanna do is leave Leicester and join Chelsea," followed by three crying emojis. On his official account on the platform, the player reposted the image above the phrase "is fake" and a red cross emoji.
Fofana expanded further on Twitter in a post translated from the defender's native tongue. "Ah now it invents Instagram stories with my name," the tweet reads and is signed off by a trio of crying laughing emojis and another three face palm emojis.
Fofana replacement
Borussia Dortmund centre-back Manuel Akanji has been named as a target for City as they look to replace Fofana, writes Jordan Blackwell. Anybody coming into the club would likely be a new partner for Jonny Evans in the centre of defence, a spot occupied by Daniel Amartey while Fofana has been left out of the first team.
The Switzerland international’s contract with Dortmund expires next summer, and varying reports say his price-tag will be somewhere between £13m and £17m. He was a regular in Dortmund’s back-line for four years, but has fallen down the pecking order this summer after the Bundesliga club signed Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Another centre-back who has been linked is Atalanta’s Merih Demiral. City have long chased the Turkey international and bid for him when he was with Juventus, in January 2020.
STOCKPORT COUNTY 0-0 LEICESTER CITY
Carabao Cup 2nd Round Leicester City through 3-1 on Penalties
Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen saved three penalties on his debut for the Premier League club to earn the Foxes a Carabao Cup shootout win against League Two Stockport.
Iversen was the hero as the Foxes prevailed 3-1 in a chaotic shootout, in which James Maddison and Ayoze Perez missed for the Foxes.
The keeper also crucially denied Callum Camps in normal time, which ended 0-0.
Despite victory, Leicester are still yet to win in 90 minutes this season.
Danish goalkeeper Iversen, 25, had to wait six years to make his first-team bow for the Foxes, but ensured it would be one that would live long in the memory as a much-changed Leicester were pushed to the brink by a side 69 places below them in the English football pyramid.
Leicester controlled 78% possession and took 26 shots - of which eight were on target - with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having a chance cleared off the line and Youri Tielemans shooting wide late on.
Harvey Barnes was the only Foxes player that started in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Southampton to maintain his place for the midweek cup tie with fourth-tier Stockport.
Leicester were still strong, however, with Tielemans and Kelechi Iheanacho starting after both came on as substitutes at the weekend, while Maddison dropped to the bench having scored the opener against Saints.
But again there was no sight of Wesley Fofana.
The 21-year-old centre-back was left out against Saints amid ongoing Chelsea interest which saw the Foxes turn down a third bid - believed to be between £60m and £70m - in the build-up to Tuesday's trip to Edgeley Park.
Last season's National League champions Stockport, who themselves made six changes, were put under immense first-half pressure, but possession did not translate into any meaningful chances for Brendan Rodgers' top-flight side.
It took a diving save from Iversen to stop the packed crowd of 10,301 at Edgeley Park from celebrating the Hatters' first home EFL Cup goal for 15 years, with an opener that would have been completely against the run of play.
And while Leicester pressed relentlessly for a winner in normal time, Stockport held on to take the game to penalties only for Iversen to foil them in the shootout before Dewsbury-Hall eventually sealed Leicester's place in the third round.
BBC Sport
Carabao Cup 2nd Round Leicester City through 3-1 on Penalties
Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen saved three penalties on his debut for the Premier League club to earn the Foxes a Carabao Cup shootout win against League Two Stockport.
Iversen was the hero as the Foxes prevailed 3-1 in a chaotic shootout, in which James Maddison and Ayoze Perez missed for the Foxes.
The keeper also crucially denied Callum Camps in normal time, which ended 0-0.
Despite victory, Leicester are still yet to win in 90 minutes this season.
Danish goalkeeper Iversen, 25, had to wait six years to make his first-team bow for the Foxes, but ensured it would be one that would live long in the memory as a much-changed Leicester were pushed to the brink by a side 69 places below them in the English football pyramid.
Leicester controlled 78% possession and took 26 shots - of which eight were on target - with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having a chance cleared off the line and Youri Tielemans shooting wide late on.
Harvey Barnes was the only Foxes player that started in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Southampton to maintain his place for the midweek cup tie with fourth-tier Stockport.
Leicester were still strong, however, with Tielemans and Kelechi Iheanacho starting after both came on as substitutes at the weekend, while Maddison dropped to the bench having scored the opener against Saints.
But again there was no sight of Wesley Fofana.
The 21-year-old centre-back was left out against Saints amid ongoing Chelsea interest which saw the Foxes turn down a third bid - believed to be between £60m and £70m - in the build-up to Tuesday's trip to Edgeley Park.
Last season's National League champions Stockport, who themselves made six changes, were put under immense first-half pressure, but possession did not translate into any meaningful chances for Brendan Rodgers' top-flight side.
It took a diving save from Iversen to stop the packed crowd of 10,301 at Edgeley Park from celebrating the Hatters' first home EFL Cup goal for 15 years, with an opener that would have been completely against the run of play.
And while Leicester pressed relentlessly for a winner in normal time, Stockport held on to take the game to penalties only for Iversen to foil them in the shootout before Dewsbury-Hall eventually sealed Leicester's place in the third round.
BBC Sport
Chelsea’s improved offer for Wesley Fofana rejected by Leicester
Leicester City have rejected an improved offer from Chelsea for defender Wesley Fofana, The Athletic understands.
The latest proposal is thought to have been conveyed this week but was turned down immediately by Leicester.
It is believed Chelsea’s offers have been highly conditional, so the total achievable price is not necessarily what Leicester would have realistically received.
It is thought Chelsea are currently unwilling to go higher than £70million including add-ons. If that is the case then Leicester, who are said to be seeking a fee in excess of the £80million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire in 2019, will need to decide whether to compromise.
At present there is no discussion about players going in the opposite direction.
Chelsea had previously made two offers for the French defender but both fell below Leicester’s valuation.
Fofana was left out of Leicester’s squad by Brendan Rodgers for the 2-1 defeat by Southampton on Saturday after he asked not to play.
Rodgers said prior to the match that Fofana had been left out because he was not “in the right frame of mind” to join his team mates.
“I mentioned in the week about coming into a Premier League game and maybe one or two players not being in the right frame of mind, you can’t carry them and certainly we can’t,” Rodgers told NBC.
“So that’s the reason for the change.”
Fofana has played 37 Premier League matches since signing for Leicester from French side Saint-Etienne for £36.5million.
The defender impressed during his first season at the King Power Stadium but his 2021-22 campaign was curtailed by a broken leg sustained in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.
The Athletic
Leicester City have rejected an improved offer from Chelsea for defender Wesley Fofana, The Athletic understands.
The latest proposal is thought to have been conveyed this week but was turned down immediately by Leicester.
It is believed Chelsea’s offers have been highly conditional, so the total achievable price is not necessarily what Leicester would have realistically received.
It is thought Chelsea are currently unwilling to go higher than £70million including add-ons. If that is the case then Leicester, who are said to be seeking a fee in excess of the £80million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire in 2019, will need to decide whether to compromise.
At present there is no discussion about players going in the opposite direction.
Chelsea had previously made two offers for the French defender but both fell below Leicester’s valuation.
Fofana was left out of Leicester’s squad by Brendan Rodgers for the 2-1 defeat by Southampton on Saturday after he asked not to play.
Rodgers said prior to the match that Fofana had been left out because he was not “in the right frame of mind” to join his team mates.
“I mentioned in the week about coming into a Premier League game and maybe one or two players not being in the right frame of mind, you can’t carry them and certainly we can’t,” Rodgers told NBC.
“So that’s the reason for the change.”
Fofana has played 37 Premier League matches since signing for Leicester from French side Saint-Etienne for £36.5million.
The defender impressed during his first season at the King Power Stadium but his 2021-22 campaign was curtailed by a broken leg sustained in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.
The Athletic
Pochettino favourite if Rodgers is sacked, Dyche, Solskjaer and Benitez included
MAURICIO POCHETTINO is favourite to be appointed Leicester City's next manager.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've created a 'next manager' market after claims Brendan Rodgers will leave his position.
1
Mauricio Pochettino is favourite for the Leicester job, according to Betfair. Pressure is mounting on the Northern Irishman after another defeat over the weekend.
The Foxes succumbed to a second successive loss on Saturday when falling 2-1 to previously winless Southampton at the King Power Stadium. Leicester conjured up just a single effort on target, and that was James Maddison's fantastic 54th-minute free-kick. The result follows a 2-2 draw with Brentford and a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal to leave the club in 18th position.
Rodgers and supporters are clearly becoming increasingly frustrated with the club's lack of transfer activity. Only Alex Smithies, a third-choice goalkeeper, has joined the club while there's talk of Wesley Fofana, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans leaving. The 49-year-old has three years remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2025.
Leicester next manager Betfair offer
But he's now ODDS-ON favourite to be the first Premier League manager of the 2022-23 campaign to leave his post. Pochettino is the early frontrunner at 3/1.
The former Southampton and Tottenham boss is a free agent having been axed by Paris Saint-Germain in June -- just weeks after regaining the French title.
Another free agent in Sean Dyche follows next at 5/1.
Dyche managed 425 games with Burnley between 2012 and 2022, and could help solve the club's defensive frailties on a reduced budget.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rafa Benitez are the only other names on the market, priced at 8/1 and 20/1 respectively.
The Sun
MAURICIO POCHETTINO is favourite to be appointed Leicester City's next manager.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've created a 'next manager' market after claims Brendan Rodgers will leave his position.
1
Mauricio Pochettino is favourite for the Leicester job, according to Betfair. Pressure is mounting on the Northern Irishman after another defeat over the weekend.
The Foxes succumbed to a second successive loss on Saturday when falling 2-1 to previously winless Southampton at the King Power Stadium. Leicester conjured up just a single effort on target, and that was James Maddison's fantastic 54th-minute free-kick. The result follows a 2-2 draw with Brentford and a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal to leave the club in 18th position.
Rodgers and supporters are clearly becoming increasingly frustrated with the club's lack of transfer activity. Only Alex Smithies, a third-choice goalkeeper, has joined the club while there's talk of Wesley Fofana, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans leaving. The 49-year-old has three years remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2025.
Leicester next manager Betfair offer
- Mauricio Pochettino - 3/1
- Sean Dyche - 5/1
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 8/1
- Rafa Benitez - 20/1
But he's now ODDS-ON favourite to be the first Premier League manager of the 2022-23 campaign to leave his post. Pochettino is the early frontrunner at 3/1.
The former Southampton and Tottenham boss is a free agent having been axed by Paris Saint-Germain in June -- just weeks after regaining the French title.
Another free agent in Sean Dyche follows next at 5/1.
Dyche managed 425 games with Burnley between 2012 and 2022, and could help solve the club's defensive frailties on a reduced budget.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rafa Benitez are the only other names on the market, priced at 8/1 and 20/1 respectively.
The Sun
Premier League next manager sacked: Rodgers favourite after going ODDS ON overnight, Ten Hag, Gerrard and Lampard follow
BRENDAN RODGERS is favourite to be the FIRST Premier League manager of the 2022-23 season to leave his position.
That's according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who've delivered a colossal price change on the Leicester manager leaving the King Power Stadium.
Rodgers, 49, was available at 15/2 heading into the weekend's action.But he's now the 1/2 favourite to be AXED ahead of Everton's Frank Lampard, Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton. The Foxes are 18th in the table having collected just one point from their opening three fixtures.
Leicester blew a two-goal lead at home to Brentford on the opening weekend of the season, before being hammered 4-2 at Arsenal. They lost again on Saturday when conceding TWICE in 16 minutes against the previously winless Southampton.
And now have a daunting run of games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Brighton, Aston Villa and Tottenham. Rodgers and supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the club's lack of transfer activity.
First Premier League manager to leaveSky Bet odds
Only Alex Smithies, a third-choice goalkeeper, has joined the club while there's talk of Wesley Fofana, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans leaving. The Northern Irishman has three years remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2025. But Sky Bet think his departure could be a lot sooner.
Elsewhere Frank Lampard is offered at 11/2. Everton grabbed their first point of the campaign against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and the majority of supporters are behind him. Ralph Hasenhuttl is priced at 13/2, ahead of Steven Gerrard (6/1) and Manchester United's Erik ten Hag at 13/2.
The Dutchman was 20/1 a few weeks ago, but two successive defeats have seen his price shrink considerably ahead of tonight's bout against Liverpool.
The Sun
BRENDAN RODGERS is favourite to be the FIRST Premier League manager of the 2022-23 season to leave his position.
That's according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who've delivered a colossal price change on the Leicester manager leaving the King Power Stadium.
Rodgers, 49, was available at 15/2 heading into the weekend's action.But he's now the 1/2 favourite to be AXED ahead of Everton's Frank Lampard, Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton. The Foxes are 18th in the table having collected just one point from their opening three fixtures.
Leicester blew a two-goal lead at home to Brentford on the opening weekend of the season, before being hammered 4-2 at Arsenal. They lost again on Saturday when conceding TWICE in 16 minutes against the previously winless Southampton.
And now have a daunting run of games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Brighton, Aston Villa and Tottenham. Rodgers and supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the club's lack of transfer activity.
First Premier League manager to leaveSky Bet odds
- Brendan Rodgers - 1/2
- Frank Lampard - 11/2
- Steven Gerrard - 6/1
- Ralph Hasenhuttl - 13/2
- Erik ten Hag - 8/1
- Bruno Lage - 14/1
- Scott Parker - 14/1
- David Moyes - 16/1
- Jesse Marsch - 20/1
- Steve Cooper - 20/1
Only Alex Smithies, a third-choice goalkeeper, has joined the club while there's talk of Wesley Fofana, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans leaving. The Northern Irishman has three years remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2025. But Sky Bet think his departure could be a lot sooner.
Elsewhere Frank Lampard is offered at 11/2. Everton grabbed their first point of the campaign against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and the majority of supporters are behind him. Ralph Hasenhuttl is priced at 13/2, ahead of Steven Gerrard (6/1) and Manchester United's Erik ten Hag at 13/2.
The Dutchman was 20/1 a few weeks ago, but two successive defeats have seen his price shrink considerably ahead of tonight's bout against Liverpool.
The Sun
Leicester City 1-2 Southampton
Spirited Saints outfox luckless Leicester
Southampton recorded their first Premier League (PL) away victory since February as they impressively defeated Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium, inflicting just a second home loss in 11 league matches for the hosts.
Having picked up just a single point from their opening two league matches, the hosts looked like a side with a point to prove in the opening exchanges. Jamie Vardy, fresh from signing a new contract with the Foxes, stretched the Southampton backline at every opportunity, as Ayoze Pérez wasted the best chance of the opening half-hour, failing to connect properly from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s inviting delivery.
Despite their bright start, Leicester became somewhat subdued as HT approached, with clear-cut chances at a premium and Southampton defending in numbers. James Maddison saw a floated free-kick comfortably palmed away by Gavin Bazunu and the lively Harvey Barnes dragged an angled effort wide of the far post, as the two sides went into the interval level.
Similarly to the first half, Leicester dominated proceedings at the start of the second and deservedly found the breakthrough in the 54th minute through a moment of brilliance from Maddison. The influential midfielder whipped a free-kick superbly around the wall and into the bottom corner, this time beyond the despairing dive of Bazunu.
Having fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Leeds United last time out, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl described his side’s recovery as “phenomenal”. The Saints, faced with another deficit, responded well to Maddison’s opener, and levelled the score with 22 minutes remaining as Ché Adams’ low strike was diverted into the net via an unfortunate touch from James Justin.
With less than 15 minutes on the clock, both sides went in search of a decisive goal, and Southampton found it when James Ward Prowse’s cross was acrobatically fired home by Adams, much to the delight of the travelling faithful. Leicester, stunned by Southampton’s fightback, tried to compose themselves for one final push, but the Saints’ rearguard held firm for a vital three points.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ché Adams (Southampton)
flashscore.co.uk
Spirited Saints outfox luckless Leicester
Southampton recorded their first Premier League (PL) away victory since February as they impressively defeated Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium, inflicting just a second home loss in 11 league matches for the hosts.
Having picked up just a single point from their opening two league matches, the hosts looked like a side with a point to prove in the opening exchanges. Jamie Vardy, fresh from signing a new contract with the Foxes, stretched the Southampton backline at every opportunity, as Ayoze Pérez wasted the best chance of the opening half-hour, failing to connect properly from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s inviting delivery.
Despite their bright start, Leicester became somewhat subdued as HT approached, with clear-cut chances at a premium and Southampton defending in numbers. James Maddison saw a floated free-kick comfortably palmed away by Gavin Bazunu and the lively Harvey Barnes dragged an angled effort wide of the far post, as the two sides went into the interval level.
Similarly to the first half, Leicester dominated proceedings at the start of the second and deservedly found the breakthrough in the 54th minute through a moment of brilliance from Maddison. The influential midfielder whipped a free-kick superbly around the wall and into the bottom corner, this time beyond the despairing dive of Bazunu.
Having fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Leeds United last time out, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl described his side’s recovery as “phenomenal”. The Saints, faced with another deficit, responded well to Maddison’s opener, and levelled the score with 22 minutes remaining as Ché Adams’ low strike was diverted into the net via an unfortunate touch from James Justin.
With less than 15 minutes on the clock, both sides went in search of a decisive goal, and Southampton found it when James Ward Prowse’s cross was acrobatically fired home by Adams, much to the delight of the travelling faithful. Leicester, stunned by Southampton’s fightback, tried to compose themselves for one final push, but the Saints’ rearguard held firm for a vital three points.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ché Adams (Southampton)
flashscore.co.uk
Jamie Vardy Extends Leicester City Contract
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Jamie Vardy has agreed a contract extension with the Foxes to June 2024.
- Striker Jamie Vardy signs contract extension with Leicester City to 2024
- The 35-year-old celebrated 10 years at the Club in May
- He is the Foxes’ third highest scorer of all time with 164 goals
The 35-year-old, who signed from then non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, has made 387 appearances for City in all competitions and is third on the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer list with 164 goals.
He has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship titles with the Foxes and celebrated an impressive decade at the Club in May this year.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Vardy said: “I’m obviously over the moon. Once I heard it was something the Club was looking at, there was only one thing that was going to happen, and I was going to sign it. The decision was easy.
“I’ve been here long enough now that I feel like part of the furniture. I think you can see with the way we’re trying to play, the way the Club’s wanting to go, that it’s going to be onwards and upwards.
I’m obviously over the moon. Once I heard it was something the Club was looking at, there was only one thing that was going to happen, and I was going to sign it. The decision was easy.
“To carry on being involved with that, I was over the moon. Now it’s all about this season and finishing as high as we can. My legs are still feeling great so I’ll carry that on helping the Club as much as I can, whether that’s scoring or assisting, that’s what I’m here to do.”
Since signing for Leicester City from then non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has gone on to establish himself as one of the leading strikers in world football.
He was a key figure in the Club’s promotion to the top-flight in 2013/14, finding the net on 16 occasions, and played a vital role in the historic escape from relegation upon City’s return to the Premier League in 2014/15.
During our title-winning season the following campaign, Vardy scored 24 times in all competitions, including in 11 consecutive Premier League games, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of 10 with a brilliant finish against Manchester United at King Power Stadium in November 2015.
In 2016/17, the forward’s crucial away goal against Seville in the last-16 of an incredible run in the UEFA Champions League secured City a place in the last eight of the competition, where they were the last-remaining English representative.
His remarkable form in front of goal continued in the seasons that followed, and in 2019/20 he became the oldest winner of the Premier League Golden Boot, netting 23 goals, including reaching his century of Premier League strikes against Crystal Palace in July 2020.
In 2020/21, Vardy continued to be a mainstay in the team that won the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history, featuring for the Foxes 42 times in all competitions and finding the net on 17 occasions. He added a further 17 goals in just 33 appearances last term as City won the Community Shield and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
He made his senior England debut in June 2015 in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland, and won 26 caps for his country, scoring seven goals and representing the Three Lions at UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Jamie Vardy has agreed a contract extension with the Foxes to June 2024.
- Striker Jamie Vardy signs contract extension with Leicester City to 2024
- The 35-year-old celebrated 10 years at the Club in May
- He is the Foxes’ third highest scorer of all time with 164 goals
The 35-year-old, who signed from then non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, has made 387 appearances for City in all competitions and is third on the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer list with 164 goals.
He has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship titles with the Foxes and celebrated an impressive decade at the Club in May this year.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Vardy said: “I’m obviously over the moon. Once I heard it was something the Club was looking at, there was only one thing that was going to happen, and I was going to sign it. The decision was easy.
“I’ve been here long enough now that I feel like part of the furniture. I think you can see with the way we’re trying to play, the way the Club’s wanting to go, that it’s going to be onwards and upwards.
I’m obviously over the moon. Once I heard it was something the Club was looking at, there was only one thing that was going to happen, and I was going to sign it. The decision was easy.
“To carry on being involved with that, I was over the moon. Now it’s all about this season and finishing as high as we can. My legs are still feeling great so I’ll carry that on helping the Club as much as I can, whether that’s scoring or assisting, that’s what I’m here to do.”
Since signing for Leicester City from then non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has gone on to establish himself as one of the leading strikers in world football.
He was a key figure in the Club’s promotion to the top-flight in 2013/14, finding the net on 16 occasions, and played a vital role in the historic escape from relegation upon City’s return to the Premier League in 2014/15.
During our title-winning season the following campaign, Vardy scored 24 times in all competitions, including in 11 consecutive Premier League games, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of 10 with a brilliant finish against Manchester United at King Power Stadium in November 2015.
In 2016/17, the forward’s crucial away goal against Seville in the last-16 of an incredible run in the UEFA Champions League secured City a place in the last eight of the competition, where they were the last-remaining English representative.
His remarkable form in front of goal continued in the seasons that followed, and in 2019/20 he became the oldest winner of the Premier League Golden Boot, netting 23 goals, including reaching his century of Premier League strikes against Crystal Palace in July 2020.
In 2020/21, Vardy continued to be a mainstay in the team that won the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history, featuring for the Foxes 42 times in all competitions and finding the net on 17 occasions. He added a further 17 goals in just 33 appearances last term as City won the Community Shield and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
He made his senior England debut in June 2015 in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland, and won 26 caps for his country, scoring seven goals and representing the Three Lions at UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City could sanction transfer that would give Brendan Rodgers boost
Daniel Amartey linked with a move to the Turkish side
Besiktas have reportedly placed Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey on their "list" of possible transfers.
The 27-year-old is in his final 12 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium and there remains no clear indication whether he'll extend his six-and-a-half year stay. Amartey has started in City's opening two Premier League games this season, partnering Wesley Fofana and Evans in Brendan Rodgers' defence.
Amartey is amongst a long list of senior players at the club whose contract expires next summer - alongside Jamie Vardy, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans - and could be sold to recoup anything close to the £5million they paid FC Copenhagen in 2016 this summer.
According to journalist Serdar Saridag, the Ghana international is a potential target for Besiktas this summer over a possible move to the Super Lig. Former West Brom head coach Valerien Ismael has been busy in the transfer window so far, with Romain Saiss (Wolves), Cenk Tosun (Everton), Wout Weghorst (Burnley) and Arthur Masuaku (West Ham) all making the switch from the Premier League.
However, Besiktas are said to be in the market for another defender following the departures of Domagoj Vida and Alpay Celebi. Amartey has been named as a potential replacement to the pair to join Saiss in defence, claims Saridag.
"I think two centre-backs will be bought and there is a high chance that they will be from the Premier League," the journalist told Milliyet.
"If there are two options, I would like Amiri to come as well Besiktas is looking good and experienced names. They are waiting for the foreign limit.
"Daniel Amartey from Leicester City and Samy Mmaee from Ferencvaros are on the list. The main target was Kaan Ayhan, but it hasn't happened."
Leicestershire Live
Daniel Amartey linked with a move to the Turkish side
Besiktas have reportedly placed Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey on their "list" of possible transfers.
The 27-year-old is in his final 12 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium and there remains no clear indication whether he'll extend his six-and-a-half year stay. Amartey has started in City's opening two Premier League games this season, partnering Wesley Fofana and Evans in Brendan Rodgers' defence.
Amartey is amongst a long list of senior players at the club whose contract expires next summer - alongside Jamie Vardy, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans - and could be sold to recoup anything close to the £5million they paid FC Copenhagen in 2016 this summer.
According to journalist Serdar Saridag, the Ghana international is a potential target for Besiktas this summer over a possible move to the Super Lig. Former West Brom head coach Valerien Ismael has been busy in the transfer window so far, with Romain Saiss (Wolves), Cenk Tosun (Everton), Wout Weghorst (Burnley) and Arthur Masuaku (West Ham) all making the switch from the Premier League.
However, Besiktas are said to be in the market for another defender following the departures of Domagoj Vida and Alpay Celebi. Amartey has been named as a potential replacement to the pair to join Saiss in defence, claims Saridag.
"I think two centre-backs will be bought and there is a high chance that they will be from the Premier League," the journalist told Milliyet.
"If there are two options, I would like Amiri to come as well Besiktas is looking good and experienced names. They are waiting for the foreign limit.
"Daniel Amartey from Leicester City and Samy Mmaee from Ferencvaros are on the list. The main target was Kaan Ayhan, but it hasn't happened."
Leicestershire Live
Fresh details of 'offensive' Newcastle transfer bids for James Maddison revealed
The latest Leicester City news as the Foxes immediately rejected the two offers for last year's player of the season earlier this summer.
More details of Newcastle United’s attempts to sign key Leicester City man James Maddison this summer have emerged, with the Magpies offering a ‘buy now, pay later’ deal.
The Magpies saw two bids quickly rejected by City for the midfielder this summer. It is reported that the first bid was worth a total of around £35 million, with the second adding a further £10 million.
City are determined to keep hold of their key players this summer, with the club having a quiet window so far in terms of incomings. They are said to value Maddison at more than £60 million
It was reported that City found the two offers from Newcastle for Maddison ‘ verging on the offensive’ as they rejected the proposals. Eddie Howe’s side now look to have moved on to other targets .
Despite having some of the richest owners in world football, Financial Fair Play restrictions mean that Newcastle have had to restrict what they are able to spend in the current window. That has led to the club offering ‘buy now, pay later’ deals to other clubs over possible transfer targets. According to the Telegraph , the deal offered by Newcastle to City for Maddison would have only seen them pay £20 million up front, making the further money up to £40 million at a later date.
The report added that it was ‘nowhere near attractive enough’ for City to even consider cashing in on one of their key players this summer. The structuring of deals is also said to be putting other clubs off dealing with Newcastle in the current window.
Maddison was named as City’s player of the season in 2021/22, scoring a career high 18 goals in all competitions, and providing a further 12 assists. He has contributed in both of City’s Premier League games so far this season, providing an assist for Timothy Castagne’s opener against Brentford, and getting his first goal of the season in last weekend’s 4-2 loss against Arsenal.
Leicestershire Live
The latest Leicester City news as the Foxes immediately rejected the two offers for last year's player of the season earlier this summer.
More details of Newcastle United’s attempts to sign key Leicester City man James Maddison this summer have emerged, with the Magpies offering a ‘buy now, pay later’ deal.
The Magpies saw two bids quickly rejected by City for the midfielder this summer. It is reported that the first bid was worth a total of around £35 million, with the second adding a further £10 million.
City are determined to keep hold of their key players this summer, with the club having a quiet window so far in terms of incomings. They are said to value Maddison at more than £60 million
It was reported that City found the two offers from Newcastle for Maddison ‘ verging on the offensive’ as they rejected the proposals. Eddie Howe’s side now look to have moved on to other targets .
Despite having some of the richest owners in world football, Financial Fair Play restrictions mean that Newcastle have had to restrict what they are able to spend in the current window. That has led to the club offering ‘buy now, pay later’ deals to other clubs over possible transfer targets. According to the Telegraph , the deal offered by Newcastle to City for Maddison would have only seen them pay £20 million up front, making the further money up to £40 million at a later date.
The report added that it was ‘nowhere near attractive enough’ for City to even consider cashing in on one of their key players this summer. The structuring of deals is also said to be putting other clubs off dealing with Newcastle in the current window.
Maddison was named as City’s player of the season in 2021/22, scoring a career high 18 goals in all competitions, and providing a further 12 assists. He has contributed in both of City’s Premier League games so far this season, providing an assist for Timothy Castagne’s opener against Brentford, and getting his first goal of the season in last weekend’s 4-2 loss against Arsenal.
Leicestershire Live
Dennis Praet breaks silence on Leicester City future after Brendan Rodgers update
Belgian midfielder is ready to fight for a place in the team at the King Power Stadium after spending last season on loan in Italy.
Real Madrid are "monitoring the situation" of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, though the Gunners have not made a move. Man United have also been credited with an interest, though Real Madrid may now have entered the fray.
Tielemans' contract is due to expire next summer, with City at risk of losing him on a free next summer if he doesn't leave before the transfer deadline on September 1. It could be the case that Arsenal are waiting as late as possible to drive the price down, but they might have to move quickly with other clubs said to be interested.
Real Madrid already have impressive central midfield talent, boasting Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric among their ranks. Modric is 36, though, while both Casemiro and Kroos are in their 30s, so Tielemans would be a younger option for Los Blancos.
Tielemans has been almost ever-present for the last three-and-a-half years under Brendan Rodgers, so has experience at a high level. But Real Madrid would have to meet Leicester's valuation of the Belgian if they want him this summer. They could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him in January, though, an advantage neither Arsenal nor Man United have.
Leicestershire Live
Belgian midfielder is ready to fight for a place in the team at the King Power Stadium after spending last season on loan in Italy.
Real Madrid are "monitoring the situation" of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, though the Gunners have not made a move. Man United have also been credited with an interest, though Real Madrid may now have entered the fray.
Tielemans' contract is due to expire next summer, with City at risk of losing him on a free next summer if he doesn't leave before the transfer deadline on September 1. It could be the case that Arsenal are waiting as late as possible to drive the price down, but they might have to move quickly with other clubs said to be interested.
Real Madrid already have impressive central midfield talent, boasting Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric among their ranks. Modric is 36, though, while both Casemiro and Kroos are in their 30s, so Tielemans would be a younger option for Los Blancos.
Tielemans has been almost ever-present for the last three-and-a-half years under Brendan Rodgers, so has experience at a high level. But Real Madrid would have to meet Leicester's valuation of the Belgian if they want him this summer. They could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him in January, though, an advantage neither Arsenal nor Man United have.
Leicestershire Live
Real Madrid 'monitor' Leicester City transfer situation
Real Madrid 'monitor the situation' of midfielder Youri Tielemans, who has been linked to Arsenal and Man Utd
Real Madrid are "monitoring the situation" of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, though the Gunners have not made a move. Man United have also been credited with an interest, though Real Madrid may now have entered the fray.
Tielemans' contract is due to expire next summer, with City at risk of losing him on a free next summer if he doesn't leave before the transfer deadline on September 1. It could be the case that Arsenal are waiting as late as possible to drive the price down, but they might have to move quickly with other clubs said to be interested.
Real Madrid already have impressive central midfield talent, boasting Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric among their ranks. Modric is 36, though, while both Casemiro and Kroos are in their 30s, so Tielemans would be a younger option for Los Blancos.
Tielemans has been almost ever-present for the last three-and-a-half years under Brendan Rodgers, so has experience at a high level. But Real Madrid would have to meet Leicester's valuation of the Belgian if they want him this summer. They could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him in January, though, an advantage neither Arsenal nor Man United have.
Leicestershire Live
Real Madrid 'monitor the situation' of midfielder Youri Tielemans, who has been linked to Arsenal and Man Utd
Real Madrid are "monitoring the situation" of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, though the Gunners have not made a move. Man United have also been credited with an interest, though Real Madrid may now have entered the fray.
Tielemans' contract is due to expire next summer, with City at risk of losing him on a free next summer if he doesn't leave before the transfer deadline on September 1. It could be the case that Arsenal are waiting as late as possible to drive the price down, but they might have to move quickly with other clubs said to be interested.
Real Madrid already have impressive central midfield talent, boasting Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric among their ranks. Modric is 36, though, while both Casemiro and Kroos are in their 30s, so Tielemans would be a younger option for Los Blancos.
Tielemans has been almost ever-present for the last three-and-a-half years under Brendan Rodgers, so has experience at a high level. But Real Madrid would have to meet Leicester's valuation of the Belgian if they want him this summer. They could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him in January, though, an advantage neither Arsenal nor Man United have.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City contract decisions show Brendan Rodgers philosophy is very much alive
Leicester City defender Lewis Brunt has signed a new contract until the summer of 2025.
Brunt joined City last summer after being released by Aston Villa and he has already rewarded the club for putting faith in him. He made two appearances for the first team last season - a start in the FA Cup and a substitute appearance in the Premier League - and won the club's Development Squad Player of the Year award.
For the club to give a three-year deal to a development squad player who turns 22 this season shows their commitment and belief in him. The next logical step would be a loan to an EFL club, though Brendan Rodgers may want to keep him around if the barren transfer window continues.
He follows goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, who has renewed until 2026, in penning a new deal. The goalkeeper has joined Fleetwood on a season-long loan after being hailed as "outstanding" by Rodgers. City see him as a future first-team starter.
It is understood that striker George Hirst is set to sign a new contract too and will then join a Championship club on loan. Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool are among the clubs interested.
Midfielder Jack Lewis, 17, has also signed his first professional contract after joining on scholarship terms from Liverpool last year. He will play a major part for the under-18s this season having spent much of last term playing deputy to Sammy Braybrooke and Henry Cartwright.
There have been two new additions this summer. Winger Jayden Joseph, 16, has signed scholarship forms after leaving Manchester City, while 19-year-old centre-back Paul Appiah has penned a deal after impressing on trial in pre-season.
Fellow pre-season trialist Seb Kristensen has been on trial with Burnley, while there has been no sign of Deniche Hill or Luke Badley-Morgan, two defenders the club were casting an eye over. The three Buriram United players who trained with City for a month over the summer are now back with their parent club as the Thai season is under way.
First team manager Brendan Rodgers heavily believes in development young players, having spent much of his early coaching career doing just that for Chelsea.
The faith he is playing in young players - either by handing them new contracts, sending them on loan or both - will reap rewards for the club in the future. Those coming through the ranks need look no further than Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harvey Barnes for inspiration.
Meanwhile, three young City players new to the under-18s this year have received international call-ups this summer. Defender Liam McAlinney was called to a Republic of Ireland under-19 training camp earlier this month, while teammate Reece Evans represented Northern Ireland under-18s at a tournament last month. Chey Loureiro, younger brother of City winger Wanya Marcal-Madivadua, has been called to represent Portugal under-17s. A third brother, Gio Loureiro, is currently playing for Bolton after leaving City.
There has been a small change to the under-18 coaching staff, too, with assistant Stephen Kirby joining Leicester City Women as a first team coach. Emile Heskey has taken up a technical coaching role with the under-18s and will also retain coaching duties with the women's team.
One young City player has been hit with a major injury blow. Thai-French midfielder Thanawat Suengchitthawon has torn his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss most, if not all, of the season. His contract is due to expire next summer.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City defender Lewis Brunt has signed a new contract until the summer of 2025.
Brunt joined City last summer after being released by Aston Villa and he has already rewarded the club for putting faith in him. He made two appearances for the first team last season - a start in the FA Cup and a substitute appearance in the Premier League - and won the club's Development Squad Player of the Year award.
For the club to give a three-year deal to a development squad player who turns 22 this season shows their commitment and belief in him. The next logical step would be a loan to an EFL club, though Brendan Rodgers may want to keep him around if the barren transfer window continues.
He follows goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, who has renewed until 2026, in penning a new deal. The goalkeeper has joined Fleetwood on a season-long loan after being hailed as "outstanding" by Rodgers. City see him as a future first-team starter.
It is understood that striker George Hirst is set to sign a new contract too and will then join a Championship club on loan. Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool are among the clubs interested.
Midfielder Jack Lewis, 17, has also signed his first professional contract after joining on scholarship terms from Liverpool last year. He will play a major part for the under-18s this season having spent much of last term playing deputy to Sammy Braybrooke and Henry Cartwright.
There have been two new additions this summer. Winger Jayden Joseph, 16, has signed scholarship forms after leaving Manchester City, while 19-year-old centre-back Paul Appiah has penned a deal after impressing on trial in pre-season.
Fellow pre-season trialist Seb Kristensen has been on trial with Burnley, while there has been no sign of Deniche Hill or Luke Badley-Morgan, two defenders the club were casting an eye over. The three Buriram United players who trained with City for a month over the summer are now back with their parent club as the Thai season is under way.
First team manager Brendan Rodgers heavily believes in development young players, having spent much of his early coaching career doing just that for Chelsea.
The faith he is playing in young players - either by handing them new contracts, sending them on loan or both - will reap rewards for the club in the future. Those coming through the ranks need look no further than Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harvey Barnes for inspiration.
Meanwhile, three young City players new to the under-18s this year have received international call-ups this summer. Defender Liam McAlinney was called to a Republic of Ireland under-19 training camp earlier this month, while teammate Reece Evans represented Northern Ireland under-18s at a tournament last month. Chey Loureiro, younger brother of City winger Wanya Marcal-Madivadua, has been called to represent Portugal under-17s. A third brother, Gio Loureiro, is currently playing for Bolton after leaving City.
There has been a small change to the under-18 coaching staff, too, with assistant Stephen Kirby joining Leicester City Women as a first team coach. Emile Heskey has taken up a technical coaching role with the under-18s and will also retain coaching duties with the women's team.
One young City player has been hit with a major injury blow. Thai-French midfielder Thanawat Suengchitthawon has torn his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss most, if not all, of the season. His contract is due to expire next summer.
Leicestershire Live
Wesley Fofana 'makes transfer request' as Chelsea prepare to meet huge Leicester City asking price
Wesley Fofana has reportedly told Leicester City he wants to leave the club and sign for Chelsea this summer.
City have already rejected two bids for the Frenchman from the Blues, and are said to be determined not to lose him in the final two weeks of the summer window. They have therefore set their valuation above the £80 million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire back in 2019, a record fee for a defender.
Reports claim Fofana is becoming ‘increasingly frustrated’ with City’s transfer stance, despite signing a new five-year contract just five months ago. He has played the full 90 minutes of City’s two Premier League games so far this season, with Brendan Rodgers playing down Fofana’s reaction to the away end after Saturday’s loss at Arsenal.
But according to the Guardian , the 21-year-old has now told Leicester of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge, even though it will still take a huge bid from Chelsea to change City’s stance.
The report adds it could take ‘at least £85 million’ to convince City to sell. Chelsea are also said to be considering if the defender is fully back up to speed after returning from a broken leg in the final part of last season, although the Guardian say sources have ‘indicated Chelsea will eventually meet Leicester’s asking price.’
Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash at Arsenal, City boss Brendan Rodgers said he believed staying at City would be better for the player’s development. He also revealed how Fofana himself was reacting to the speculation surrounding his future.
“I think another year here for him at least would be really important for his development,” Rodgers said .” Wesley is quite calm and relaxed on the situation.
“He is aware of the interest. He understands where we are as a club and where we see him. He’s just getting on with his work and training well. We’re able to have conversations.”
Leicestershire Live
Wesley Fofana has reportedly told Leicester City he wants to leave the club and sign for Chelsea this summer.
City have already rejected two bids for the Frenchman from the Blues, and are said to be determined not to lose him in the final two weeks of the summer window. They have therefore set their valuation above the £80 million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire back in 2019, a record fee for a defender.
Reports claim Fofana is becoming ‘increasingly frustrated’ with City’s transfer stance, despite signing a new five-year contract just five months ago. He has played the full 90 minutes of City’s two Premier League games so far this season, with Brendan Rodgers playing down Fofana’s reaction to the away end after Saturday’s loss at Arsenal.
But according to the Guardian , the 21-year-old has now told Leicester of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge, even though it will still take a huge bid from Chelsea to change City’s stance.
The report adds it could take ‘at least £85 million’ to convince City to sell. Chelsea are also said to be considering if the defender is fully back up to speed after returning from a broken leg in the final part of last season, although the Guardian say sources have ‘indicated Chelsea will eventually meet Leicester’s asking price.’
Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash at Arsenal, City boss Brendan Rodgers said he believed staying at City would be better for the player’s development. He also revealed how Fofana himself was reacting to the speculation surrounding his future.
“I think another year here for him at least would be really important for his development,” Rodgers said .” Wesley is quite calm and relaxed on the situation.
“He is aware of the interest. He understands where we are as a club and where we see him. He’s just getting on with his work and training well. We’re able to have conversations.”
Leicestershire Live
Talented Midfielder Brunt Signs New Deal
Promising young midfielder Lewis Brunt has signed a new deal with Leicester City that keeps him at the Football Club until at least 2025.
- Leicester City Development Squad midfielder Lewis Brunt pens new contract to 2025
- The 21-year-old joined Leicester City from Aston Villa in July 2021
- He made his Premier League debut for the Foxes in May
The new deal comes after a season that saw the versatile midfielder, who can also play in defence, make his debut for City’s first team in the Emirates FA Cup in January 2022.
The 21-year-old played a full 90 minutes in that game as City went on to secure a 4-1 win over Watford at King Power Stadium – something he later built on by making his Premier League bow as a substitute away to Tottenham Hotspur in May.
Brunt joined the Foxes from West Midlands side Aston Villa in July 2021 after two loan spells at National League North side Gloucester City. He went on to make 21 appearances for the Development Squad last season in Premier League 2 Division 1, scoring three goals.
The youngster was recognised for his standout displays during the 2021/22 season, scooping Development Squad Player of the Season at the Club’s annual End of Season Awards.
LCFC.COM
Promising young midfielder Lewis Brunt has signed a new deal with Leicester City that keeps him at the Football Club until at least 2025.
- Leicester City Development Squad midfielder Lewis Brunt pens new contract to 2025
- The 21-year-old joined Leicester City from Aston Villa in July 2021
- He made his Premier League debut for the Foxes in May
The new deal comes after a season that saw the versatile midfielder, who can also play in defence, make his debut for City’s first team in the Emirates FA Cup in January 2022.
The 21-year-old played a full 90 minutes in that game as City went on to secure a 4-1 win over Watford at King Power Stadium – something he later built on by making his Premier League bow as a substitute away to Tottenham Hotspur in May.
Brunt joined the Foxes from West Midlands side Aston Villa in July 2021 after two loan spells at National League North side Gloucester City. He went on to make 21 appearances for the Development Squad last season in Premier League 2 Division 1, scoring three goals.
The youngster was recognised for his standout displays during the 2021/22 season, scooping Development Squad Player of the Season at the Club’s annual End of Season Awards.
LCFC.COM
Stolarczyk Signs New Deal Ahead Of Fleetwood Loan
Talented goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has signed a new deal with Leicester City ahead of a loan move to Fleetwood Town until the end of the 2022/23 season, subject to Football League clearance.
- Young Leicester City goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk joins Fleetwood Town on loan
- The 21-year-old switches to Highbury for the 2022/23 campaign
- He has penned a new deal at King Power Stadium ahead of his move
A member of the Club's Development Squad, the Polish shot-stopper joined the Foxes in 2019 and has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances in Premier League 2.
He spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, making 13 appearances for the Pars.
The 21-year-old’s progress will now continue in League 1 as he makes the switch to the Fylde Coast. The Cods are next in action on Tuesday when they host Cheltenham Town.
LCFC.COM
Talented goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has signed a new deal with Leicester City ahead of a loan move to Fleetwood Town until the end of the 2022/23 season, subject to Football League clearance.
- Young Leicester City goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk joins Fleetwood Town on loan
- The 21-year-old switches to Highbury for the 2022/23 campaign
- He has penned a new deal at King Power Stadium ahead of his move
A member of the Club's Development Squad, the Polish shot-stopper joined the Foxes in 2019 and has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances in Premier League 2.
He spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, making 13 appearances for the Pars.
The 21-year-old’s progress will now continue in League 1 as he makes the switch to the Fylde Coast. The Cods are next in action on Tuesday when they host Cheltenham Town.
LCFC.COM
Brendan Rodgers transfer 'change of heart' could cost Leicester City millions
Leicester City sealing a £15million deal with Monaco to sell midfielder Boubakary Soumaré has reportedly been affected by manager Brendan Rodgers having an apparent "change of heart" during pre-season.
The City midfielder featured throughout the club's pre-season friendlies this summer, playing the full 90 minutes against Preston North End and particularly impressing away to another Championship opponent, Hull City. Since the Premier League season started, though, Soumaré has been left out of the squad for their first two matches and is not being considered for selection until his future is resolved.
Since signing from Lille last summer, the former France under-21 international has made a total of 30 appearances for the Foxes, just over half of which were from the start. The player's absence from the side became particularly apparent at the end of last season when he featured just twice in the final three months of the season.
The Athletic are reporting that a proposed £15million transfer was thus agreed with Monaco this summer only for Rodgers to "appear to have a change of heart" after seeing Soumaré's showings in pre-season. It is added that the midfielder wants to leave the club.
Over the weekend, the Principality club confirmed the signing of Mali international midfielder Mohamed Camara from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of around €15million (£12.6million) to help fill the gap left by Aurélien Tchouaméni after the France international moved to Real Madrid in a €100million deal earlier this summer. Whether that addition will affect any move for Soumaré remains to be seen.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City sealing a £15million deal with Monaco to sell midfielder Boubakary Soumaré has reportedly been affected by manager Brendan Rodgers having an apparent "change of heart" during pre-season.
The City midfielder featured throughout the club's pre-season friendlies this summer, playing the full 90 minutes against Preston North End and particularly impressing away to another Championship opponent, Hull City. Since the Premier League season started, though, Soumaré has been left out of the squad for their first two matches and is not being considered for selection until his future is resolved.
Since signing from Lille last summer, the former France under-21 international has made a total of 30 appearances for the Foxes, just over half of which were from the start. The player's absence from the side became particularly apparent at the end of last season when he featured just twice in the final three months of the season.
The Athletic are reporting that a proposed £15million transfer was thus agreed with Monaco this summer only for Rodgers to "appear to have a change of heart" after seeing Soumaré's showings in pre-season. It is added that the midfielder wants to leave the club.
Over the weekend, the Principality club confirmed the signing of Mali international midfielder Mohamed Camara from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of around €15million (£12.6million) to help fill the gap left by Aurélien Tchouaméni after the France international moved to Real Madrid in a €100million deal earlier this summer. Whether that addition will affect any move for Soumaré remains to be seen.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City starlet tipped for the top makes loan switch
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has joined League One side Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season and will get his first taste of senior English football with the club
Highly-rated Leicester City goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has completed a loan move to League One side Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
Stolarczyk has been tipped to reach the very top by manager Brendan Rodgers, and City have been keen to secure regular game-time for the 21-year-old to aid his development. And as a show of faith in his talent, before leaving on loan he was handed a new deal to 2026 by the club. He will now move to Highbury Stadium for his first taste of senior English football, having spent the second half of last season out on loan at Dunfermline in the Scottish Championship.
This summer, Stolarczyk has featured for City’s first team in pre-season, and he was the club’s back-up to Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen for the opening Premier League fixture. But with Alex Smithies arriving on a free transfer to provide support to the first-choice duo, it has opened the door for Stolarczyk to go out on loan.
Rodgers said earlier this month on the Poland youth international: “We’ve got a really, really, really big talent in Jakub, who I think is going to be an outstanding keeper at the very highest level.”
At Fleetwood, Stolarczyk will link up with Rodgers’ former Celtic captain Scott Brown, who is taking his first step into management with the club. They have taken four points from their first three League One fixtures of the season, while have progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Everton later this month.
Stolarczyk told Fleetwood's official website: “It feels great to get the move over the line, it’s been on the books for a little while now and I’m just happy that it’s finally done. I’m here now and I can’t wait to get going.
“I want to challenge myself with this loan. I want to play regularly, and I know that there will be competition for places, so I know it’s not going to be easy but that’s the reason why I wanted to come here. I want to do my best for the club as that’s the way I’m going to advance my career and I just can’t wait to get started."
Leicestershire Live
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has joined League One side Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season and will get his first taste of senior English football with the club
Highly-rated Leicester City goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has completed a loan move to League One side Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
Stolarczyk has been tipped to reach the very top by manager Brendan Rodgers, and City have been keen to secure regular game-time for the 21-year-old to aid his development. And as a show of faith in his talent, before leaving on loan he was handed a new deal to 2026 by the club. He will now move to Highbury Stadium for his first taste of senior English football, having spent the second half of last season out on loan at Dunfermline in the Scottish Championship.
This summer, Stolarczyk has featured for City’s first team in pre-season, and he was the club’s back-up to Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen for the opening Premier League fixture. But with Alex Smithies arriving on a free transfer to provide support to the first-choice duo, it has opened the door for Stolarczyk to go out on loan.
Rodgers said earlier this month on the Poland youth international: “We’ve got a really, really, really big talent in Jakub, who I think is going to be an outstanding keeper at the very highest level.”
At Fleetwood, Stolarczyk will link up with Rodgers’ former Celtic captain Scott Brown, who is taking his first step into management with the club. They have taken four points from their first three League One fixtures of the season, while have progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Everton later this month.
Stolarczyk told Fleetwood's official website: “It feels great to get the move over the line, it’s been on the books for a little while now and I’m just happy that it’s finally done. I’m here now and I can’t wait to get going.
“I want to challenge myself with this loan. I want to play regularly, and I know that there will be competition for places, so I know it’s not going to be easy but that’s the reason why I wanted to come here. I want to do my best for the club as that’s the way I’m going to advance my career and I just can’t wait to get started."
Leicestershire Live
Arsenal ‘in talks with Youri Tielemans agents for months’ but still yet to make offer for ace who’s free next summer
ARSENAL have reportedly been in talks with Youri Tieleman's agent for several "months" - but they've yet to make an offer for the Leicester ace.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is eager to add the creative midfielder to his squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
And the Arsenal brass are said to have been laying the foundations for a summer swoop for the Belgian for the last few "months".
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said: “As for Tielemans and how this is all affecting him – my understanding is that he is a great guy, an excellent professional, and someone who is only focused on the present.
“Of course, he would like a top club. Arsenal have been in contact with his agents for months but have never submitted an official proposal yet.
"Tielemans remains a name on the Gunners’ list but surprises cannot be ruled out.”
Tielemans, 25, has one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium but has shown no sign of extending his stay in the Midlands.
But the Foxes are reportedly not in a rush to sell the Belgium international.
In fact, they're willing to let him run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer.
Manager Brendan Rodgers told The Times: “It’s not ideal but it’s happened before — players have left here for free before.
“He wouldn’t be the first one, but at this moment in time it’s about keeping an eye on the team and the squad, making sure they are ready.
“The club will be negotiating and talking with the players’ representatives across the squad.
"Thus far, there’s no change in Youri’s situation, there’s no offers. So he’s just continuing to work well and get himself right at this early part of the season.
“Youri is a top international so every game he plays, in actual fact every training session Youri plays, he is trying to be the best player he can.
"There is a lot of speculation about him but he looks to prove a point in every single game he plays.”
Sunday Sun
ARSENAL have reportedly been in talks with Youri Tieleman's agent for several "months" - but they've yet to make an offer for the Leicester ace.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is eager to add the creative midfielder to his squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
And the Arsenal brass are said to have been laying the foundations for a summer swoop for the Belgian for the last few "months".
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said: “As for Tielemans and how this is all affecting him – my understanding is that he is a great guy, an excellent professional, and someone who is only focused on the present.
“Of course, he would like a top club. Arsenal have been in contact with his agents for months but have never submitted an official proposal yet.
"Tielemans remains a name on the Gunners’ list but surprises cannot be ruled out.”
Tielemans, 25, has one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium but has shown no sign of extending his stay in the Midlands.
But the Foxes are reportedly not in a rush to sell the Belgium international.
In fact, they're willing to let him run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer.
Manager Brendan Rodgers told The Times: “It’s not ideal but it’s happened before — players have left here for free before.
“He wouldn’t be the first one, but at this moment in time it’s about keeping an eye on the team and the squad, making sure they are ready.
“The club will be negotiating and talking with the players’ representatives across the squad.
"Thus far, there’s no change in Youri’s situation, there’s no offers. So he’s just continuing to work well and get himself right at this early part of the season.
“Youri is a top international so every game he plays, in actual fact every training session Youri plays, he is trying to be the best player he can.
"There is a lot of speculation about him but he looks to prove a point in every single game he plays.”
Sunday Sun
Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City
Jesus on hand to answer Arsenal’s prayers
A new start to the Premier League (PL) season reaped the same results for Arsenal, who secured a fourth-successive home league victory with a 4-2 win over Leicester City.
After their opening day victory over Crystal Palace, you would be forgiven for expecting a fast Arsenal start. It was in fact the opposite, and the Gunners needed a fine Aaron Ramsdale stop to deny Wesley Fofana to ensure they reached the five minute mark with a clean sheet intact.
That chance seemed to spur Arsenal into action and the Gunners came tantalisingly close to taking the lead when Bukayo Saka’s delivery was met by Granit Xhaka, but the Swiss international saw his effort cannon back of the post.
Fortunately, Arsenal didn’t have to wait much longer to take the lead and it was a moment of magic from summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who picked the ball up and curled a sumptuous effort beyond a desperate dive of Danny Ward. Fittingly, like London buses,
Jesus’ second Arsenal goal wasn’t far behind, a little over ten minutes in fact, as the Brazilian headed home at the far post to double the Gunners advantage. Arsenal had to survive a late first half scare though, with VAR coming to their rescue after Darren England had provisionally awarded Leicester a penalty.
Leicester did manufacture a reprieve after HT though, when a comical moment saw William Saliba head the ball past Ramsdale and into his own goal to inadvertently halve his side’s lead. That Leicetser joy was incredibly short-lived however, as despite the woodwork denying him in the first half, Xhaka fired home from close range to restore Arsenal’s two goal cushion.
Both sides continued to trade blows in what was turning out to be a real humdinger of a game.
James Maddison made the score 3-2, before yet again Arsenal hit back instantaneously through Gabriel Martinelli, who has now scored in back-to-back PL games, to again re-establish Arsenal’s two goal lead.
A clean sheet may have eluded Arsenal, but points are all that matters to Mikel Arteta, whose side have now won their first home league game in three of the last four seasons.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Chris Wilson Flashscores.com
Jesus on hand to answer Arsenal’s prayers
A new start to the Premier League (PL) season reaped the same results for Arsenal, who secured a fourth-successive home league victory with a 4-2 win over Leicester City.
After their opening day victory over Crystal Palace, you would be forgiven for expecting a fast Arsenal start. It was in fact the opposite, and the Gunners needed a fine Aaron Ramsdale stop to deny Wesley Fofana to ensure they reached the five minute mark with a clean sheet intact.
That chance seemed to spur Arsenal into action and the Gunners came tantalisingly close to taking the lead when Bukayo Saka’s delivery was met by Granit Xhaka, but the Swiss international saw his effort cannon back of the post.
Fortunately, Arsenal didn’t have to wait much longer to take the lead and it was a moment of magic from summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who picked the ball up and curled a sumptuous effort beyond a desperate dive of Danny Ward. Fittingly, like London buses,
Jesus’ second Arsenal goal wasn’t far behind, a little over ten minutes in fact, as the Brazilian headed home at the far post to double the Gunners advantage. Arsenal had to survive a late first half scare though, with VAR coming to their rescue after Darren England had provisionally awarded Leicester a penalty.
Leicester did manufacture a reprieve after HT though, when a comical moment saw William Saliba head the ball past Ramsdale and into his own goal to inadvertently halve his side’s lead. That Leicetser joy was incredibly short-lived however, as despite the woodwork denying him in the first half, Xhaka fired home from close range to restore Arsenal’s two goal cushion.
Both sides continued to trade blows in what was turning out to be a real humdinger of a game.
James Maddison made the score 3-2, before yet again Arsenal hit back instantaneously through Gabriel Martinelli, who has now scored in back-to-back PL games, to again re-establish Arsenal’s two goal lead.
A clean sheet may have eluded Arsenal, but points are all that matters to Mikel Arteta, whose side have now won their first home league game in three of the last four seasons.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Chris Wilson Flashscores.com
Leicester closing in on first signing 62 days after window opened with free transfer move for Alex Smithies
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies has signed a two-year contract with Leicester City, it is being reported.
The 32 year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Cardiff City and confirmation of his arrival at the King Power Stadium is expected "soon".
That's according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says Smithies completed his medical this afternoon (Thursday) and has penned a deal until the summer of 2024. Smithies, who has also played for Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers, arrives with over 460 career appearances to his name.
It was reported earlier in the day that Smithies was "in talks" with City after spending time on trial with Premier League rivals Bournemouth. Despite his experience, he has never played in the top flight and, though he is on the verge of being unveiled as a City player, that could be something that continues.
Smithies will be Brendan Rodgers' third-choice goalkeeper when he arrives at the King Power Stadium, sitting behind Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen in the pecking order. He will play a similar role to Eldin Jakupovic, supporting the two other goalkeepers through the week and being a steady hand to call upon if needed.
His arrival will allow young stopper Jakub Stolarczyk to go out on loan, with a club lined up for the Poland youth international. League One side Fleetwood have been linked.
Leicestershire Live
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies has signed a two-year contract with Leicester City, it is being reported.
The 32 year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Cardiff City and confirmation of his arrival at the King Power Stadium is expected "soon".
That's according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says Smithies completed his medical this afternoon (Thursday) and has penned a deal until the summer of 2024. Smithies, who has also played for Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers, arrives with over 460 career appearances to his name.
It was reported earlier in the day that Smithies was "in talks" with City after spending time on trial with Premier League rivals Bournemouth. Despite his experience, he has never played in the top flight and, though he is on the verge of being unveiled as a City player, that could be something that continues.
Smithies will be Brendan Rodgers' third-choice goalkeeper when he arrives at the King Power Stadium, sitting behind Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen in the pecking order. He will play a similar role to Eldin Jakupovic, supporting the two other goalkeepers through the week and being a steady hand to call upon if needed.
His arrival will allow young stopper Jakub Stolarczyk to go out on loan, with a club lined up for the Poland youth international. League One side Fleetwood have been linked.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City confirm midfielder transfer as club look to push on with outgoings
Homegrown midfielder Hamza Choudhury has joined Watford in the Championship on a season-long loan after making just eight Premier League starts over the past two seasons
Hamza Choudhury may have played his final game for Leicester City after joining Championship side Watford on a season-long loan.
The defensive midfielder will link up with the Hornets for the campaign, Watford winning a battle with West Brom, the Baggies’ boss Steve Bruce a long-term admirer of Choudhury. He has long been linked with a City exit and twice nearly moved to Newcastle in deadline-day moves in recent transfer windows.
His game-time at the King Power Stadium has dwindled in the past few years, the 24-year-old making just eight Premier League starts over the past two seasons, while he has not played in any of the club’s last 15 matches in all competitions. At the weekend, against Brentford, he did not even make the substitutes' bench.
Choudhury’s move is one of several exits City hope to organise before the end of the transfer window. Moving players on and creating space on their wage bill may give them the opportunity to make some signings, with the club the only side in Europe’s top five leagues yet to bring in a new recruit.
He is the third senior player to leave the club this summer. Eldin Jakupovic was released at the end of his deal in June, while captain Kasper Schmeichel left for Nice last week.
There is an option to buy in his loan deal and if taken up, he could be back in the Premier League with Watford next season, with the Hornets the favourites for promotion under new manager Rob Edwards. They have started the season with four points from six.
In total, Choudhury has made 84 appearances for City since his debut under Craig Shakespeare in 2017. He has scored two goals for the club, against Newcastle and AEK Athens.
Leicestershire Live
Homegrown midfielder Hamza Choudhury has joined Watford in the Championship on a season-long loan after making just eight Premier League starts over the past two seasons
Hamza Choudhury may have played his final game for Leicester City after joining Championship side Watford on a season-long loan.
The defensive midfielder will link up with the Hornets for the campaign, Watford winning a battle with West Brom, the Baggies’ boss Steve Bruce a long-term admirer of Choudhury. He has long been linked with a City exit and twice nearly moved to Newcastle in deadline-day moves in recent transfer windows.
His game-time at the King Power Stadium has dwindled in the past few years, the 24-year-old making just eight Premier League starts over the past two seasons, while he has not played in any of the club’s last 15 matches in all competitions. At the weekend, against Brentford, he did not even make the substitutes' bench.
Choudhury’s move is one of several exits City hope to organise before the end of the transfer window. Moving players on and creating space on their wage bill may give them the opportunity to make some signings, with the club the only side in Europe’s top five leagues yet to bring in a new recruit.
He is the third senior player to leave the club this summer. Eldin Jakupovic was released at the end of his deal in June, while captain Kasper Schmeichel left for Nice last week.
There is an option to buy in his loan deal and if taken up, he could be back in the Premier League with Watford next season, with the Hornets the favourites for promotion under new manager Rob Edwards. They have started the season with four points from six.
In total, Choudhury has made 84 appearances for City since his debut under Craig Shakespeare in 2017. He has scored two goals for the club, against Newcastle and AEK Athens.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City put defender 'up for sale' as price tag revealed
Leicester City are prepared to offload Jannik Vestergaard for £12million this summer, according to reports.
However, the Denmark international would apparently prefer a loan move, having only joined the Foxes last season, says the Daily Mail. He is keen to secure valuable game time to boost his chances of making an appearance in this year's World Cup.
Despite being a regular player for Southampton before his move to the King Power, he has started just six games for Brendan Rodgers, making a total of 20 outings in his first season. Although Fulham were said to be interested in the signing of the experienced player, they have since opted to sign Issa Diop from West Ham, with a £15million transfer set to be completed.
Regarding his World Cup chances this winter, Denmark national team boss Kasper Hjulmand said earlier this summer: "The next few days are spent talking to the players about it, about why there is a big responsibility for them individually in the autumn.
"Because we are not together, we need to be as sharp and prepared as possible. The responsibility rests with the players at home in their clubs until we meet in November.
"I do not have a formula because there is no formula for it. But playing time is important.
There are some who have been out for so long that it certainly cannot happen again. When you have been out for so long, there can not be another six months where you do not play."
Vestergaard is under contract at City until 2024.
LeicestershireLive
Leicester City are prepared to offload Jannik Vestergaard for £12million this summer, according to reports.
However, the Denmark international would apparently prefer a loan move, having only joined the Foxes last season, says the Daily Mail. He is keen to secure valuable game time to boost his chances of making an appearance in this year's World Cup.
Despite being a regular player for Southampton before his move to the King Power, he has started just six games for Brendan Rodgers, making a total of 20 outings in his first season. Although Fulham were said to be interested in the signing of the experienced player, they have since opted to sign Issa Diop from West Ham, with a £15million transfer set to be completed.
Regarding his World Cup chances this winter, Denmark national team boss Kasper Hjulmand said earlier this summer: "The next few days are spent talking to the players about it, about why there is a big responsibility for them individually in the autumn.
"Because we are not together, we need to be as sharp and prepared as possible. The responsibility rests with the players at home in their clubs until we meet in November.
"I do not have a formula because there is no formula for it. But playing time is important.
There are some who have been out for so long that it certainly cannot happen again. When you have been out for so long, there can not be another six months where you do not play."
Vestergaard is under contract at City until 2024.
LeicestershireLive
Leicester City 2-2 Brentford
Bees sting late to wound hungry Foxes
Leicester City and Brentford treated the King Power Stadium to an absolute thriller in their season opener. The Foxes failed to secure a third successive H2H league win this century, succumbing to a late equaliser to draw 2-2.
Attempting to avoid a case of second-season syndrome after punching above their weight in their first ever PL season, Brentford started with enough belief to land themselves a top-half finish this time around.
However, their advances did not bother the hosts, who came close twice within the first 20 minutes, first via Youri Tielemans’ long range effort denied masterfully by David Raya, before James Maddison missed a header from inside the box.
Making up for his earlier miss, Maddison turned provider with an inch-perfect corner kick minutes later as he curled a beauty right into the path of Timothy Castagne, who headed home the opener. Despite a positive reaction from the Bees, Brendan Rodgers’ side looked rather unsatisfied with their one-goal lead as they charged on for a second. Pushing the visitors on their heels, Tielemans struck a low thunderbolt that came off the bottom post to keep things as it was going into the break.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made sure things were not going to stay the same for Thomas Frank’s men going forward. The midfielder unleashed a left-footed piledriver into the bottom right corner just seconds after restart, doubling the hosts’ lead. Undeterred, the visitors responded just after the hour mark to halve Leicester’s lead, following a brilliant team move which was capped off by Ivan Toney’s hold-up play and finish.
The hosts almost retaliated with a goal of their own six minutes later when Wesley Fofana rose high to meet a free-kick delivery, only to direct it at the right post.
Brentford goalscorer Toney then came agonisingly close to equalising with his head, as he sent his effort from a cross narrowly wide of the left post.
However, they didn’t have to wait long after that miss, with Josh Dasilva executing a brilliant piece of solo play to curl in the equaliser minutes before FT. The Bees stung the Foxes as the final minutes ticked by, mustering hopes of an improvement on a 13th place finish last season. Meanwhile, Leicester have work to do if they are to better a sobering eighth position.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Akhil Fisher | flashscore.co.uk
Bees sting late to wound hungry Foxes
Leicester City and Brentford treated the King Power Stadium to an absolute thriller in their season opener. The Foxes failed to secure a third successive H2H league win this century, succumbing to a late equaliser to draw 2-2.
Attempting to avoid a case of second-season syndrome after punching above their weight in their first ever PL season, Brentford started with enough belief to land themselves a top-half finish this time around.
However, their advances did not bother the hosts, who came close twice within the first 20 minutes, first via Youri Tielemans’ long range effort denied masterfully by David Raya, before James Maddison missed a header from inside the box.
Making up for his earlier miss, Maddison turned provider with an inch-perfect corner kick minutes later as he curled a beauty right into the path of Timothy Castagne, who headed home the opener. Despite a positive reaction from the Bees, Brendan Rodgers’ side looked rather unsatisfied with their one-goal lead as they charged on for a second. Pushing the visitors on their heels, Tielemans struck a low thunderbolt that came off the bottom post to keep things as it was going into the break.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made sure things were not going to stay the same for Thomas Frank’s men going forward. The midfielder unleashed a left-footed piledriver into the bottom right corner just seconds after restart, doubling the hosts’ lead. Undeterred, the visitors responded just after the hour mark to halve Leicester’s lead, following a brilliant team move which was capped off by Ivan Toney’s hold-up play and finish.
The hosts almost retaliated with a goal of their own six minutes later when Wesley Fofana rose high to meet a free-kick delivery, only to direct it at the right post.
Brentford goalscorer Toney then came agonisingly close to equalising with his head, as he sent his effort from a cross narrowly wide of the left post.
However, they didn’t have to wait long after that miss, with Josh Dasilva executing a brilliant piece of solo play to curl in the equaliser minutes before FT. The Bees stung the Foxes as the final minutes ticked by, mustering hopes of an improvement on a 13th place finish last season. Meanwhile, Leicester have work to do if they are to better a sobering eighth position.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Akhil Fisher | flashscore.co.uk
Chelsea come back in for Leicester City star with 'fresh proposal' as player stance claimed
Chelsea further test the Foxes' transfer resolve over star defender Wesley Fofana
Chelsea have upped their attempt to get Wesley Fofana with a new and improved bid to test Leicester City's resolve, it has been claimed.
The Times reported on Friday that The Blues were "considering" making a second offer of £70million for the Foxes defender after seeing their first bid instantly rejected by the club. The Blues have been credited with an interest in Fofana over the last couple of weeks as they search for centre-back reinforcements ahead of the new season. Having lost out on the likes of Jules Kounde and Prenel Kimpembe, attentions turned to Fofana.
City are not interested in selling the defender this summer, especially as he signed a new five-year contract back in March just as he was returning from a fractured fibula. Chelsea’s initial bid of around £60million was said to be "immediately" rejected by City with the club providing no encouragement to Thomas Tuchel’s men regarding a higher offer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, however, claims the London club have come back in, tweeting: "Chelsea have submitted a fresh proposal for Wesley Fofana on Friday in excess of £70m. Leicester have turned down the proposal, Rodgers also insists he's not for sale."
And the journalist added his thoughts on the player's stance, continuing: "...but Chelsea are determined to try again for Fofana. The player would be 100% keen on the move."
According to The Times, City have ‘made it clear’ that only a World record fee, eclipsing the £80m they sold Harry Maguire for in 2019, would be considered.
It is also added that Brendan Rodgers has informed Fofana that he will not be sold this summer, with the understanding that the player could be allowed to leave in 12 months' time. His former club St Etienne are also set to be given 20 percent of any profit City make on the defender.
Chelsea are also said to be willing to include players in the offer in order to try and drive the asking price down. City did show an interest in defender Levi Colwill, but it seems that the central defender is now moving to Brighton on loan with full-back Marc Cucurella going the other way.
Fofana is expected to be named alongside Jonny Evans in the centre of City’s defence for Sunday’s Premier League opener at the King Power Stadium against Brentford.
Leicester Mercury
Chelsea further test the Foxes' transfer resolve over star defender Wesley Fofana
Chelsea have upped their attempt to get Wesley Fofana with a new and improved bid to test Leicester City's resolve, it has been claimed.
The Times reported on Friday that The Blues were "considering" making a second offer of £70million for the Foxes defender after seeing their first bid instantly rejected by the club. The Blues have been credited with an interest in Fofana over the last couple of weeks as they search for centre-back reinforcements ahead of the new season. Having lost out on the likes of Jules Kounde and Prenel Kimpembe, attentions turned to Fofana.
City are not interested in selling the defender this summer, especially as he signed a new five-year contract back in March just as he was returning from a fractured fibula. Chelsea’s initial bid of around £60million was said to be "immediately" rejected by City with the club providing no encouragement to Thomas Tuchel’s men regarding a higher offer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, however, claims the London club have come back in, tweeting: "Chelsea have submitted a fresh proposal for Wesley Fofana on Friday in excess of £70m. Leicester have turned down the proposal, Rodgers also insists he's not for sale."
And the journalist added his thoughts on the player's stance, continuing: "...but Chelsea are determined to try again for Fofana. The player would be 100% keen on the move."
According to The Times, City have ‘made it clear’ that only a World record fee, eclipsing the £80m they sold Harry Maguire for in 2019, would be considered.
It is also added that Brendan Rodgers has informed Fofana that he will not be sold this summer, with the understanding that the player could be allowed to leave in 12 months' time. His former club St Etienne are also set to be given 20 percent of any profit City make on the defender.
Chelsea are also said to be willing to include players in the offer in order to try and drive the asking price down. City did show an interest in defender Levi Colwill, but it seems that the central defender is now moving to Brighton on loan with full-back Marc Cucurella going the other way.
Fofana is expected to be named alongside Jonny Evans in the centre of City’s defence for Sunday’s Premier League opener at the King Power Stadium against Brentford.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City 'bonus' as reinvigorated Dennis Praet decides to stay and fight for place
Brendan Rodgers had expected the Belgian midfielder to ask for a transfer after a loan spell at Torino last season, but he wants to be at the King Power Stadium for the new season.
Leicester City have been given a “real bonus” after midfielder Dennis Praet indicated he is willing to stay and fight for his place at the club.
City manager Brendan Rodgers has said he expected the Belgian international to seek a transfer away from the club this summer, but instead he has returned “reinvigorated” and has impressed in pre-season showings. He could even start against Brentford on Sunday, having replaced the injured Harvey Barnes on the left wing last weekend against Sevilla.
Praet spent last season on loan in Serie A with Torino, pushing for a move away from City because of his lack of game-time at the end of the previous campaign. While in Italy, he said he was no longer happy at the King Power Stadium, and felt he had been “treated somewhat unfairly”, with Rodgers not providing an explanation over his lack of minutes.
But it seems those bridges have been rebuilt. Rodgers has now suggested Praet will feature regularly this season, either as a starter or as somebody who the manager knows he can turn to as an influential substitute.
“He's very much a part of what we’re doing,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been delighted with Dennis. I pulled him and had a chat with him Friday morning to tell him how well he’s done over pre-season.
“I think my notion when he came back, when we spoke in Evian, was that he was maybe one who wanted to move on and play, because he was in that situation before. But he’s come back reinvigorated and really wants to be here at the club, which is great, and over the course of the pre-season, he’s looked strong, he’s looked fit and he’s done very well in the games.
“I think he’s a real bonus for us that he wants to stay and compete for a place in the team. If he doesn’t play, I know I’ve got someone on the bench to come into the game, but I’m pretty sure he will end up having a really good season for us.”
Praet first arrived at City in 2019 in an £18m move from Sampdoria. His last competitive appearance for the club was as a substitute in a 3-0 win over West Brom in April 2021.
Leicester Mercury
Brendan Rodgers had expected the Belgian midfielder to ask for a transfer after a loan spell at Torino last season, but he wants to be at the King Power Stadium for the new season.
Leicester City have been given a “real bonus” after midfielder Dennis Praet indicated he is willing to stay and fight for his place at the club.
City manager Brendan Rodgers has said he expected the Belgian international to seek a transfer away from the club this summer, but instead he has returned “reinvigorated” and has impressed in pre-season showings. He could even start against Brentford on Sunday, having replaced the injured Harvey Barnes on the left wing last weekend against Sevilla.
Praet spent last season on loan in Serie A with Torino, pushing for a move away from City because of his lack of game-time at the end of the previous campaign. While in Italy, he said he was no longer happy at the King Power Stadium, and felt he had been “treated somewhat unfairly”, with Rodgers not providing an explanation over his lack of minutes.
But it seems those bridges have been rebuilt. Rodgers has now suggested Praet will feature regularly this season, either as a starter or as somebody who the manager knows he can turn to as an influential substitute.
“He's very much a part of what we’re doing,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been delighted with Dennis. I pulled him and had a chat with him Friday morning to tell him how well he’s done over pre-season.
“I think my notion when he came back, when we spoke in Evian, was that he was maybe one who wanted to move on and play, because he was in that situation before. But he’s come back reinvigorated and really wants to be here at the club, which is great, and over the course of the pre-season, he’s looked strong, he’s looked fit and he’s done very well in the games.
“I think he’s a real bonus for us that he wants to stay and compete for a place in the team. If he doesn’t play, I know I’ve got someone on the bench to come into the game, but I’m pretty sure he will end up having a really good season for us.”
Praet first arrived at City in 2019 in an £18m move from Sampdoria. His last competitive appearance for the club was as a substitute in a 3-0 win over West Brom in April 2021.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City reject Chelsea transfer bid for defender Wesley Fofana
Leicester City have rejected a bid from Chelsea for defender Wesley Fofana, according to reports.
The Blues are said to have made an opening offer of €75million (£62.8m) for the 21-year-old, which was "immediately" rejected. City are maintaining their "not-for-sale" stance and are said to have provided no encouragement to Chelsea regarding a higher offer.
Fofana has been linked with Chelsea throughout the summer, although there interest has only become concrete in recent days. Leicester will not want to lose a key defender, having already seen Kasper Schmeichel leave while facing the likelihood of selling Youri Tielemans.
News of Chelsea's approach for Fofana comes from French newspaper L'Equipe, who say the London club submitted their offer on Wednesday. When pushing for a move from Saint-Etienne to Leicester, Fofana gave an interview to L'Equipe about wanting the transfer, suggesting the French media organisation is close to the player.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the bid and says Chelsea are "preparing another approach" for the Frenchman. It is likely they will increase their bid.
Fofana dropped clues on social media earlier this week to suggest he wants to move to Stamford Bridge, though he also liked a tweet suggesting fans shouldn't read too much into his posts. It remains to be seen if he will continue to push the move, or accept he will have to wait until next summer for an exit.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City have rejected a bid from Chelsea for defender Wesley Fofana, according to reports.
The Blues are said to have made an opening offer of €75million (£62.8m) for the 21-year-old, which was "immediately" rejected. City are maintaining their "not-for-sale" stance and are said to have provided no encouragement to Chelsea regarding a higher offer.
Fofana has been linked with Chelsea throughout the summer, although there interest has only become concrete in recent days. Leicester will not want to lose a key defender, having already seen Kasper Schmeichel leave while facing the likelihood of selling Youri Tielemans.
News of Chelsea's approach for Fofana comes from French newspaper L'Equipe, who say the London club submitted their offer on Wednesday. When pushing for a move from Saint-Etienne to Leicester, Fofana gave an interview to L'Equipe about wanting the transfer, suggesting the French media organisation is close to the player.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the bid and says Chelsea are "preparing another approach" for the Frenchman. It is likely they will increase their bid.
Fofana dropped clues on social media earlier this week to suggest he wants to move to Stamford Bridge, though he also liked a tweet suggesting fans shouldn't read too much into his posts. It remains to be seen if he will continue to push the move, or accept he will have to wait until next summer for an exit.
Leicester Mercury
Kasper Schmeichel completes Leicester City exit as Nice transfer confirmed
The goalkeeper leaves Leicester City with four medals to show for almost 500 appearances for the club across over a decade as the club's first-choice between the sticks
Leicester City club captain Kasper Schmeichel has completed a transfer to OGC Nice after 11 years in the East Midlands.
The 35-year-old signed for the club from Manchester City in late June 2011 and went on to win the Championship, Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield in over a decade at the King Power Stadium. Now an 80-plus cap Denmark international,
Schmeichel becomes to first major outgoing of the summer transfer window for Brendan Rodgers' side that has also yet to see a senior incoming arrive either.
A three-year contract to stay in the French Riviera until the summer of 2025 has reportedly been agreed with the goalkeeper. Nice have also recently welcomed former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to the club this week.
Announcing the Dane's departure, the Foxes said in a statement: "Goalkeeper and Club Captain Kasper Schmeichel will join Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, ending an 11-year association with the Football Club that sees him leave with his status firmly secured as one of greatest players in Leicester City history.
"The 35-year-old, who lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship trophies after signing from Leeds United in 2011, joins the French side for an undisclosed fee, subject to international and league approval.
"Schmeichel, who sits third in Leicester City’s all-time appearance list having played 479 times during 11 historic seasons for the Football Club, has been a key figure in the unprecedented period of success seen under King Power’s ownership.
"The Danish international has been at the heart of countless memorable moments, including the Football Club’s Premier League title victory in 2015/16 and the Foxes’ maiden FA Cup win in 2020/21. His passion, leadership and consistency helped lay the foundations for a period of sustained success never before seen at Leicester City and will leave his name written proudly in the Club’s history books."
Leicester Mercury
The goalkeeper leaves Leicester City with four medals to show for almost 500 appearances for the club across over a decade as the club's first-choice between the sticks
Leicester City club captain Kasper Schmeichel has completed a transfer to OGC Nice after 11 years in the East Midlands.
The 35-year-old signed for the club from Manchester City in late June 2011 and went on to win the Championship, Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield in over a decade at the King Power Stadium. Now an 80-plus cap Denmark international,
Schmeichel becomes to first major outgoing of the summer transfer window for Brendan Rodgers' side that has also yet to see a senior incoming arrive either.
A three-year contract to stay in the French Riviera until the summer of 2025 has reportedly been agreed with the goalkeeper. Nice have also recently welcomed former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to the club this week.
Announcing the Dane's departure, the Foxes said in a statement: "Goalkeeper and Club Captain Kasper Schmeichel will join Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, ending an 11-year association with the Football Club that sees him leave with his status firmly secured as one of greatest players in Leicester City history.
"The 35-year-old, who lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship trophies after signing from Leeds United in 2011, joins the French side for an undisclosed fee, subject to international and league approval.
"Schmeichel, who sits third in Leicester City’s all-time appearance list having played 479 times during 11 historic seasons for the Football Club, has been a key figure in the unprecedented period of success seen under King Power’s ownership.
"The Danish international has been at the heart of countless memorable moments, including the Football Club’s Premier League title victory in 2015/16 and the Foxes’ maiden FA Cup win in 2020/21. His passion, leadership and consistency helped lay the foundations for a period of sustained success never before seen at Leicester City and will leave his name written proudly in the Club’s history books."
Leicester Mercury
Pre-Season Concludes With Sevilla Success On Filbert Way
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game as Leicester City ended their preparations for the 2022/23 season with a dominant victory over Sevilla.
A strong squad and starting XI was named by Brendan Rodgers for the final pre-season friendly against the Spaniards, ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off in a week's time.
The Foxes began in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Timothy Castagne operating in a more advanced position on the right and Harvey Barnes on the opposite flank, either side of lone striker Jamie Vardy. And it was Barnes who created the first meaningful chance of the game after 10 minutes, taking Wesley Fofana's cross-field pass in his stride, flicking the ball over Lucas Ocampos before bending it just the wrong side of the far post.
The England international winger was central to the next passage of attacking play too, robbing Sevilla of possession and feeding Vardy to his left, but once City's No.9 cut back onto his right foot, the visitors had enough bodies back in the six-yard box to block the shot.
Sevilla had opportunities of their own and could have levelled just over halfway through the first period, albeit somewhat fortuitously, when Papu Gómez's out-swinging free-kick took a nick off Fofana and forced Daniel Iversen into a sprawling diving stop, tipping the ball past the post.
Back at the other end, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played Vardy through and this time he unselfishly cut the ball back to Maddison, who had three or four defenders blocking his route to goal, but still managed to twist and turn to unleash an effort at goal that Namanja Gudelj deflected out for a corner.
From the resulting set piece, Dewsbury-Hall was the architect of another Maddison chance, though this time it was 'keeper Marko Dmitrovic who was in the way of his fierce strike. The 23-year-old could have had a hat-trick of assists in the space of just of few minutes had Vardy finished off his latest splitting pass.
Ricardo Pereira went down with an injury with a little under 10 minutes to go until the break and was brought off, with Youri Tielemans coming on in his place, leading to a shift in the midfield.
Rojiblancos, meanwhile, looked to be in from an aerial cross into the box, which sailed over Jonny Evans' head, and a neat touch from Ivan Romero took the ball under control, though Fofana's last-ditch sliding tackle was expertly timed and prevented a certain shot on goal.
Maddison's free-kick from the edge of the box was the last action of the half, though there just wasn't enough dip on the ball to take it the right side of the crossbar.
A double half-time change saw Kasper Schmeichel and Daniel Amartey introduced for Iversen and Fofana and Leicester kept the pressure up in the second period.
Following James Justin's mazy run, which failed to materialise into an effort on goal, Maddison tried his luck from range, though Kiki Salas got his body in the way of the shot, which was bound for Dmitrovic's goal.
Leicester's No.10 then turned provider with a clever pass to Tielemans, who in turn found Vardy, though the Club's all-time record Premier League goalscorer was unable to beat Dmitrovic.
Barnes forced the shot-stopper into another save moments later, though he was unlikely to be beaten from the tight angle from which the shot was taken.
It was his last action, replaced by Dennis Praet shortly after the hour mark. Another double substitution followed, as Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi came off for Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumaré.
Dewsbury-Hall finally broke the deadlock on 68 minutes. Collecting the ball from Maddison, he cut inside onto his left foot and, via a deflection which deceived Dmitrovic, saw the ball tuck into the bottom corner. The away side still showed signs that they were looking for a positive result. Substitute Jesús Navas fired narrowly over the crossbar, before Nacho Quintana struck the side netting from range, although Rodgers' men remained in the ascendency.
A quick-fire brace of chances were presented to Daka in quick succession, firstly an attempt from the edge of the box which had to be tipped away, before his header cannoned back off the post. The lively Zambian created a third chance which was once again saved by Dmitrovic.
Marc Albrighton's introduction, alongside Papy Mendy, for Maddison and Dewsbury-Hall, marked City's final changes of the evening, ahead of the last meaningful action - an attempt from Praet - deflecting over.
LCFC.COM
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game as Leicester City ended their preparations for the 2022/23 season with a dominant victory over Sevilla.
A strong squad and starting XI was named by Brendan Rodgers for the final pre-season friendly against the Spaniards, ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off in a week's time.
The Foxes began in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Timothy Castagne operating in a more advanced position on the right and Harvey Barnes on the opposite flank, either side of lone striker Jamie Vardy. And it was Barnes who created the first meaningful chance of the game after 10 minutes, taking Wesley Fofana's cross-field pass in his stride, flicking the ball over Lucas Ocampos before bending it just the wrong side of the far post.
The England international winger was central to the next passage of attacking play too, robbing Sevilla of possession and feeding Vardy to his left, but once City's No.9 cut back onto his right foot, the visitors had enough bodies back in the six-yard box to block the shot.
Sevilla had opportunities of their own and could have levelled just over halfway through the first period, albeit somewhat fortuitously, when Papu Gómez's out-swinging free-kick took a nick off Fofana and forced Daniel Iversen into a sprawling diving stop, tipping the ball past the post.
Back at the other end, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played Vardy through and this time he unselfishly cut the ball back to Maddison, who had three or four defenders blocking his route to goal, but still managed to twist and turn to unleash an effort at goal that Namanja Gudelj deflected out for a corner.
From the resulting set piece, Dewsbury-Hall was the architect of another Maddison chance, though this time it was 'keeper Marko Dmitrovic who was in the way of his fierce strike. The 23-year-old could have had a hat-trick of assists in the space of just of few minutes had Vardy finished off his latest splitting pass.
Ricardo Pereira went down with an injury with a little under 10 minutes to go until the break and was brought off, with Youri Tielemans coming on in his place, leading to a shift in the midfield.
Rojiblancos, meanwhile, looked to be in from an aerial cross into the box, which sailed over Jonny Evans' head, and a neat touch from Ivan Romero took the ball under control, though Fofana's last-ditch sliding tackle was expertly timed and prevented a certain shot on goal.
Maddison's free-kick from the edge of the box was the last action of the half, though there just wasn't enough dip on the ball to take it the right side of the crossbar.
A double half-time change saw Kasper Schmeichel and Daniel Amartey introduced for Iversen and Fofana and Leicester kept the pressure up in the second period.
Following James Justin's mazy run, which failed to materialise into an effort on goal, Maddison tried his luck from range, though Kiki Salas got his body in the way of the shot, which was bound for Dmitrovic's goal.
Leicester's No.10 then turned provider with a clever pass to Tielemans, who in turn found Vardy, though the Club's all-time record Premier League goalscorer was unable to beat Dmitrovic.
Barnes forced the shot-stopper into another save moments later, though he was unlikely to be beaten from the tight angle from which the shot was taken.
It was his last action, replaced by Dennis Praet shortly after the hour mark. Another double substitution followed, as Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi came off for Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumaré.
Dewsbury-Hall finally broke the deadlock on 68 minutes. Collecting the ball from Maddison, he cut inside onto his left foot and, via a deflection which deceived Dmitrovic, saw the ball tuck into the bottom corner. The away side still showed signs that they were looking for a positive result. Substitute Jesús Navas fired narrowly over the crossbar, before Nacho Quintana struck the side netting from range, although Rodgers' men remained in the ascendency.
A quick-fire brace of chances were presented to Daka in quick succession, firstly an attempt from the edge of the box which had to be tipped away, before his header cannoned back off the post. The lively Zambian created a third chance which was once again saved by Dmitrovic.
Marc Albrighton's introduction, alongside Papy Mendy, for Maddison and Dewsbury-Hall, marked City's final changes of the evening, ahead of the last meaningful action - an attempt from Praet - deflecting over.
LCFC.COM
Fulham boss Marco Silva chasing Leicester defender Jannik Vestergaard transfer but Foxes want £12m for giant Dane
FULHAM want Leicester’s Danish centre-half Jannik Vestergaard to bolster their defence.
Marco Silva is looking for more power and presence at the back — and 6ft 4in Vestergaard is available as Brendan Rodgers looks to shake up his Foxes squad.
Fulham fancy a loan deal but Leicester will be looking for up to £12million for the former Southampton defender, 29. Silva has also looked at West Ham’s Issa Diop, 25, but Vestergaard may yet be the answer.
The Denmark international came to our shores in 2018, when he signed for the Saints in 2018 in a £22million deal from Borussia Monchengladbach. He soon became a fans' favourite - appearing 79 times across three seasons for the South Coast club.
Last summer, Southampton accepted a £16million deal from the Foxes and Vestergaard signed on a three-year deal. However, he has struggled to settle at the King Power Stadium and hasn't had as much game time as he would have liked.
He made just 10 Premier League appearances in a disappointing campaign for Brendan Rodgers' men, who finished eighth in the top flight.
Internationally, though, his career has hit bigger heights.
He was famously part of the Danish team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Leicester may be reluctant to sell - with reports suggesting fellow centre back Wesley Fofana is a target for Chelsea.
The Sun
FULHAM want Leicester’s Danish centre-half Jannik Vestergaard to bolster their defence.
Marco Silva is looking for more power and presence at the back — and 6ft 4in Vestergaard is available as Brendan Rodgers looks to shake up his Foxes squad.
Fulham fancy a loan deal but Leicester will be looking for up to £12million for the former Southampton defender, 29. Silva has also looked at West Ham’s Issa Diop, 25, but Vestergaard may yet be the answer.
The Denmark international came to our shores in 2018, when he signed for the Saints in 2018 in a £22million deal from Borussia Monchengladbach. He soon became a fans' favourite - appearing 79 times across three seasons for the South Coast club.
Last summer, Southampton accepted a £16million deal from the Foxes and Vestergaard signed on a three-year deal. However, he has struggled to settle at the King Power Stadium and hasn't had as much game time as he would have liked.
He made just 10 Premier League appearances in a disappointing campaign for Brendan Rodgers' men, who finished eighth in the top flight.
Internationally, though, his career has hit bigger heights.
He was famously part of the Danish team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Leicester may be reluctant to sell - with reports suggesting fellow centre back Wesley Fofana is a target for Chelsea.
The Sun
James Maddison to be ‘offered’ new Leicester City contract after Newcastle United bid ‘rejected’
The latest Leicester City transfer news as the midfielder is reportedly subject of interest from Newcastle United.
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is reportedly set to be offered a new contract with the club, as City look to keep hold of one of their key players.
The 25-year-old was in the best form of his career last season after recovering from a dip in confidence at the start of the campaign. His form led to him being named as the club’s player of the season as voted for by supporters. He finished the season with a career high 18 goals and 12 assists, and had found the net in each of the last four Premier League matches. He’ll look to continue that run when City host Brentford in the season opener at the King Power Stadium next Sunday.
His performances led to raised eyebrows when he was left out of the latest England squad by manager Gareth Southgate. Maddison has the first few months of the season to convince the Three Lions boss to included him in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
As well as international whispers, Maddison’s performances led to some talk over his future. The Telegraph reports that City have rejected a £40 million offer from Newcastle United for the playmaker this week.
As reported by the Daily Mail , City are ‘set to offer’ the player a new deal at the King Power Stadium, two years after he signed his current contract. That deal runs until 2024, meaning that Maddison is entering the final two years.
Securing the midfielder’s future at the club is said to be a ‘priority’ for City, ahead of what could be a big year for Maddison. Videos of early pre-season showed him leading the running drills as he looked to continue from where he left off last season.
Following the friendly against sister club OH Leuven, where Maddison’s quick thinking led to an equalising goal, City boss Brendan Rodgers said that the player was “the best I’ve seen him, in the three-and-a-half years I’ve been at Leicester.”
“He looks now really physically strong, technically confident and tactically, his view of the game is outstanding”
Leicester Mercury
The latest Leicester City transfer news as the midfielder is reportedly subject of interest from Newcastle United.
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is reportedly set to be offered a new contract with the club, as City look to keep hold of one of their key players.
The 25-year-old was in the best form of his career last season after recovering from a dip in confidence at the start of the campaign. His form led to him being named as the club’s player of the season as voted for by supporters. He finished the season with a career high 18 goals and 12 assists, and had found the net in each of the last four Premier League matches. He’ll look to continue that run when City host Brentford in the season opener at the King Power Stadium next Sunday.
His performances led to raised eyebrows when he was left out of the latest England squad by manager Gareth Southgate. Maddison has the first few months of the season to convince the Three Lions boss to included him in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
As well as international whispers, Maddison’s performances led to some talk over his future. The Telegraph reports that City have rejected a £40 million offer from Newcastle United for the playmaker this week.
As reported by the Daily Mail , City are ‘set to offer’ the player a new deal at the King Power Stadium, two years after he signed his current contract. That deal runs until 2024, meaning that Maddison is entering the final two years.
Securing the midfielder’s future at the club is said to be a ‘priority’ for City, ahead of what could be a big year for Maddison. Videos of early pre-season showed him leading the running drills as he looked to continue from where he left off last season.
Following the friendly against sister club OH Leuven, where Maddison’s quick thinking led to an equalising goal, City boss Brendan Rodgers said that the player was “the best I’ve seen him, in the three-and-a-half years I’ve been at Leicester.”
“He looks now really physically strong, technically confident and tactically, his view of the game is outstanding”
Leicester Mercury
Leicester reject £40m bid from Newcastle for midfielder James Maddison
Newcastle are now deciding whether to make an improved offer for the midfielder, with Leicester believed to value Maddison at closer to £60m
Leicester have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for James Maddison.
Newcastle are now deciding whether to make an improved offer for the midfielder, with Leicester believed to value Maddison at closer to £60m.
Eddie Howe remains keen to strengthen his squad despite some setbacks in the transfer market this summer, having been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Everton midfielder Anthony Gordon, while French striker Hugo Ekitike opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead of Newcastle.
But Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers could be determined to retain the services of Maddison, who produced some impressive displays in the closing months of the season after he dropped out of contention for the England squad following a dip in form.
With defender Wesley Fofana attracting interest from Chelsea, Rodgers will be reluctant to allow key members of his squad to depart before the start of the new campaign next weekend.
Sky Sports
Newcastle are now deciding whether to make an improved offer for the midfielder, with Leicester believed to value Maddison at closer to £60m
Leicester have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for James Maddison.
Newcastle are now deciding whether to make an improved offer for the midfielder, with Leicester believed to value Maddison at closer to £60m.
Eddie Howe remains keen to strengthen his squad despite some setbacks in the transfer market this summer, having been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Everton midfielder Anthony Gordon, while French striker Hugo Ekitike opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead of Newcastle.
But Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers could be determined to retain the services of Maddison, who produced some impressive displays in the closing months of the season after he dropped out of contention for the England squad following a dip in form.
With defender Wesley Fofana attracting interest from Chelsea, Rodgers will be reluctant to allow key members of his squad to depart before the start of the new campaign next weekend.
Sky Sports
Six potential Kasper Schmeichel replacements Leicester City could turn to after transfer claim
Leicester City could be stepping up their search for a first-choice goalkeeper for the first time in 11 summers after reports surrounding the future of club captain Kasper Schmeichel.
With just one year remaining on his deal with the club, reports in France suggest the 35-year-old could be on the move this summer. L’Equipe report that Schmeichel has agreed to join OGC Nice .
There is however one condition to City letting him go - that they first find a replacement. City have been linked with interest in a couple of goalkeepers this summer, and it now seems the search could become more intense.
Here we take a look at six potential options...
Robert Sanchez
The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper was first linked with a move to the King Power Stadium earlier this summer, but it seems that any potential deal would be scuppered by Brighton's demands. Rumour has it that City were quoted £50m when they enquired about Sanchez earlier, prompting them to walk away.
The 24-year-old kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League last season and was known for his dominance in the box, an area which could help City to solve their set piece woes. He was called up to the full Spanish national team last year, making his international debut as a late substitute in a 4-0 win over Georgia back in September.
Odysseas Vlachodimos
The goalkeeper to be most recently linked with City. The Benfica man is said to be looking for a new challenge and could be available for a reported €15m to €20m (£12.6m-£16.8m).
The Greek international made 48 appearances for Benfica last season in all competitions, keeping 18 clean sheets. However, he was left out of the squad entirely for their final league match of the season.
The 28-year-old was linked with Newcastle United during the January transfer window, and when asked about a potential move to the Premier League back then, said: “The Premier League is special with its packed stadiums and incredible atmosphere. “But I’m not thinking about that at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Benfica and in Portugal. My contract also runs for two years.”
David Raya
The Brentford goalkeeper has not agreed a new deal with the London club despite taking part in talks, sparking doubt about his future. He does, however, still have two years remaining on his current contract.
In response, Brentford have completed the signing of Thomas Strakosha, who could have potentially come in as a replacement for the goalkeeper this summer. The new Brentford man turned down Manchester United due to wanting more first team opportunities, which could therefore mean Raya is available this summer.
The 26 year-old kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League last season as Brentford comfortably stayed up. Those blanks came despite the goalkeeper missing four months of the season with a knee injury suffered against City in October.
Bernd Leno
Another goalkeeper who could be on the move this summer, Leno has been heavily linked with a move to newly-promoted Fulham in the current window, but they are yet to agree a fee with Arsenal. It is said the goalkeeper could cost around £8 million.
The 30-year-old has fallen behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, playing a total of eight games in all competitions last season and keeping three clean sheets. Leno is thought to be keen to remain in London.
He could be a cheaper shorter term option for City.
Replacement already around
The potential replacement could of course already be in the City squad where both Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen wait in the wings.
Ward has played second fiddle to Schmeichel since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2018. After being restricted to just cup appearances, he made his Premier League debut for the club in the 5-1 win over Watford back in May.
He will be keen to increase his minutes as he fights for a starting spot in Wales’ team for the forthcoming World Cup. However, a mystery injury the goalkeeper picked up while on international duty has seen him miss pre-season so far.
Iversen is the goalkeeper who has been called on in pre-season, after impressing on loan with Championship side Preston North End last term. The 25-year-old was named as the Championship club’s player of the season in 2021/22, earning rave reviews for his performances at Deepdale.
That has led to a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, plus a first call up to the full Danish squad. However, a couple of mistakes in early pre-season may have put a doubt in Brendan Rodgers’ mind over whether he can step up to the Premier League this season.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City could be stepping up their search for a first-choice goalkeeper for the first time in 11 summers after reports surrounding the future of club captain Kasper Schmeichel.
With just one year remaining on his deal with the club, reports in France suggest the 35-year-old could be on the move this summer. L’Equipe report that Schmeichel has agreed to join OGC Nice .
There is however one condition to City letting him go - that they first find a replacement. City have been linked with interest in a couple of goalkeepers this summer, and it now seems the search could become more intense.
Here we take a look at six potential options...
Robert Sanchez
The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper was first linked with a move to the King Power Stadium earlier this summer, but it seems that any potential deal would be scuppered by Brighton's demands. Rumour has it that City were quoted £50m when they enquired about Sanchez earlier, prompting them to walk away.
The 24-year-old kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League last season and was known for his dominance in the box, an area which could help City to solve their set piece woes. He was called up to the full Spanish national team last year, making his international debut as a late substitute in a 4-0 win over Georgia back in September.
Odysseas Vlachodimos
The goalkeeper to be most recently linked with City. The Benfica man is said to be looking for a new challenge and could be available for a reported €15m to €20m (£12.6m-£16.8m).
The Greek international made 48 appearances for Benfica last season in all competitions, keeping 18 clean sheets. However, he was left out of the squad entirely for their final league match of the season.
The 28-year-old was linked with Newcastle United during the January transfer window, and when asked about a potential move to the Premier League back then, said: “The Premier League is special with its packed stadiums and incredible atmosphere. “But I’m not thinking about that at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Benfica and in Portugal. My contract also runs for two years.”
David Raya
The Brentford goalkeeper has not agreed a new deal with the London club despite taking part in talks, sparking doubt about his future. He does, however, still have two years remaining on his current contract.
In response, Brentford have completed the signing of Thomas Strakosha, who could have potentially come in as a replacement for the goalkeeper this summer. The new Brentford man turned down Manchester United due to wanting more first team opportunities, which could therefore mean Raya is available this summer.
The 26 year-old kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League last season as Brentford comfortably stayed up. Those blanks came despite the goalkeeper missing four months of the season with a knee injury suffered against City in October.
Bernd Leno
Another goalkeeper who could be on the move this summer, Leno has been heavily linked with a move to newly-promoted Fulham in the current window, but they are yet to agree a fee with Arsenal. It is said the goalkeeper could cost around £8 million.
The 30-year-old has fallen behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, playing a total of eight games in all competitions last season and keeping three clean sheets. Leno is thought to be keen to remain in London.
He could be a cheaper shorter term option for City.
Replacement already around
The potential replacement could of course already be in the City squad where both Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen wait in the wings.
Ward has played second fiddle to Schmeichel since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2018. After being restricted to just cup appearances, he made his Premier League debut for the club in the 5-1 win over Watford back in May.
He will be keen to increase his minutes as he fights for a starting spot in Wales’ team for the forthcoming World Cup. However, a mystery injury the goalkeeper picked up while on international duty has seen him miss pre-season so far.
Iversen is the goalkeeper who has been called on in pre-season, after impressing on loan with Championship side Preston North End last term. The 25-year-old was named as the Championship club’s player of the season in 2021/22, earning rave reviews for his performances at Deepdale.
That has led to a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, plus a first call up to the full Danish squad. However, a couple of mistakes in early pre-season may have put a doubt in Brendan Rodgers’ mind over whether he can step up to the Premier League this season.
Leicester Mercury
Why Kasper Schmeichel could leave Leicester City and what would happen next
Reports in France claim the goalkeeper has agreed to join Nice and will be allowed to move on a free transfer if City are able to bring in a replacement
Leicester City have reached a decisive moment in their transfer window and in their season with the future of captain and number one Kasper Schmeichel on the line.
L’Equipe are reporting that Schmeichel has agreed to join French side Nice and that a free transfer to Ligue 1 is only dependent on City finding a replacement. This may seem like a bombshell, but it has not come out of the blue. It has been a possibility for months.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has long been requesting a shake-up of his squad and the most significant way to do that would be to sell a player who is not only the club captain and longest-serving squad member, but also a huge influence in the dressing room and one of the highest wage earners. But given those factors, and given Schmeichel’s standing, it had the potential to be a difficult move.
The first clues emerged in May, when Danny Ward was handed his Premier League debut for the club nearly four years after his arrival from Liverpool. It ended Schmeichel’s appearance streak in the top flight at 149 games, with Rodgers saying Ward needed to play “for the health of the group”.
Later that month it emerged that City had been scouring the goalkeeper market for potential options. The club do look into the future, and with Schmeichel entering the final 12 months of his contract, it was feasible that City were merely planning ahead for a changeover next summer.
Interest in Brighton’s Robert Sanchez was significant in that the Spaniard comes for crosses more often than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. With a terrible set-piece record the main reason for City’s downfall last season, and with a goalkeeper in Schmeichel who prefers to stay on his line, moving for Sanchez would be directly addressing a big problem.
No team had a higher percentage of goals conceded from set-pieces (34 per cent) last season, nor a higher number of goals conceded from crosses (15). When Ward played against Watford, he claimed three crosses. Schmeichel only claimed three crosses in total in his 15 outings before the Welshman’s debut.
Schmeichel’s late return to pre-season, the captain the only first-team player not to be involved at the camp at Evian this month, prompted further questions over his future. Rodgers’ explanation that the 35-year-old was afforded more time off because he was due a big season for club and country, with the World Cup to come in the winter, did not stack up when City have plenty of other players very likely to be representing their nations in Qatar.
Publicly, Rodgers has said he expected Schmeichel would be here for the upcoming campaign. Speaking in May, and asked if Schmeichel would be bidding farewell to the club in the last game of the season against Southampton, Rodgers said: "I don’t think so. I think he’s very happy here.
"Naturally he’s getting to the age where he can see the finishing line a little bit. In my conversations with him, he’s very happy. He’s got a year to go.
"It’s important for him and for us he’s in the best condition he can possibly be in. You’ve seen with Wardy that there’s a challenge there. I think he wants to be here, I think he wants to continue the fight in his career here. Up until now, he’s had a fantastic career."
Kasper Schmeichel kicks clear during Leicester City's meeting with Southampton (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)The Dane’s own sign-off last season – predicting "better things to come next season for us" – suggested he was planning to see out his contract at the club too. It always felt that it would be Schmeichel who determined when his City career would be over, having indicated he may like to move elsewhere for the final few years before he hangs up his gloves.
But now it seems it may be the club, not the player, making the decision. Because for a window where there has been very little movement at City, Schmeichel’s departure would be significant. While at 35 and with one year left on his contract, he is never going to fetch a huge fee, getting his wages off the books will provide the club with more room to manoeuvre as they look to bring players in. City have one of the highest wage-to-turnover ratios in the Premier League, and so it has to be a key consideration in their recruitment.
But, while Schmeichel departing would free up finances, City are likely to want to bring in a new goalkeeper as his replacement. While Rodgers has referred to Ward as his ‘other number one’, the Wales international is currently out injured. Daniel Iversen has promise and won player of the year at Preston last summer, but has made errors in pre-season.
As well as Brighton’s Sanchez, City have been linked with Benfica’s Greek international goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, and so Schmeichel’s future does seem dependent on City being able to recruit a new number one. Failure in that process would give Schmeichel a chance to stay, but with the situation having reached this point, there may be tension there that hangs over City's campaign.
If Schmeichel was to go, there would need to be a passing of the armband too, but vice-captain Jonny Evans is a key figure for Rodgers and it would not be a difficult process, nor one that affects the squad dynamic too greatly, to name the Northern Irish centre-back as permanent skipper. Jamie Vardy, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, and Marc Albrighton form the rest of the leadership group, while Rodgers has already named Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as a potential future captain. There are options there.
And because it would free up finances on the wage bill, it may be the first domino for City in the transfer window, enabling them to start signing players in other areas. Time is on their side regarding the market, with five weeks to go until it closes, but not in terms of the Premier League season. City won’t want doubts over where they stand with their number one going into the first game against Brentford in just under a fortnight’s time.
Leicester Mercury
Reports in France claim the goalkeeper has agreed to join Nice and will be allowed to move on a free transfer if City are able to bring in a replacement
Leicester City have reached a decisive moment in their transfer window and in their season with the future of captain and number one Kasper Schmeichel on the line.
L’Equipe are reporting that Schmeichel has agreed to join French side Nice and that a free transfer to Ligue 1 is only dependent on City finding a replacement. This may seem like a bombshell, but it has not come out of the blue. It has been a possibility for months.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has long been requesting a shake-up of his squad and the most significant way to do that would be to sell a player who is not only the club captain and longest-serving squad member, but also a huge influence in the dressing room and one of the highest wage earners. But given those factors, and given Schmeichel’s standing, it had the potential to be a difficult move.
The first clues emerged in May, when Danny Ward was handed his Premier League debut for the club nearly four years after his arrival from Liverpool. It ended Schmeichel’s appearance streak in the top flight at 149 games, with Rodgers saying Ward needed to play “for the health of the group”.
Later that month it emerged that City had been scouring the goalkeeper market for potential options. The club do look into the future, and with Schmeichel entering the final 12 months of his contract, it was feasible that City were merely planning ahead for a changeover next summer.
Interest in Brighton’s Robert Sanchez was significant in that the Spaniard comes for crosses more often than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. With a terrible set-piece record the main reason for City’s downfall last season, and with a goalkeeper in Schmeichel who prefers to stay on his line, moving for Sanchez would be directly addressing a big problem.
No team had a higher percentage of goals conceded from set-pieces (34 per cent) last season, nor a higher number of goals conceded from crosses (15). When Ward played against Watford, he claimed three crosses. Schmeichel only claimed three crosses in total in his 15 outings before the Welshman’s debut.
Schmeichel’s late return to pre-season, the captain the only first-team player not to be involved at the camp at Evian this month, prompted further questions over his future. Rodgers’ explanation that the 35-year-old was afforded more time off because he was due a big season for club and country, with the World Cup to come in the winter, did not stack up when City have plenty of other players very likely to be representing their nations in Qatar.
Publicly, Rodgers has said he expected Schmeichel would be here for the upcoming campaign. Speaking in May, and asked if Schmeichel would be bidding farewell to the club in the last game of the season against Southampton, Rodgers said: "I don’t think so. I think he’s very happy here.
"Naturally he’s getting to the age where he can see the finishing line a little bit. In my conversations with him, he’s very happy. He’s got a year to go.
"It’s important for him and for us he’s in the best condition he can possibly be in. You’ve seen with Wardy that there’s a challenge there. I think he wants to be here, I think he wants to continue the fight in his career here. Up until now, he’s had a fantastic career."
Kasper Schmeichel kicks clear during Leicester City's meeting with Southampton (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)The Dane’s own sign-off last season – predicting "better things to come next season for us" – suggested he was planning to see out his contract at the club too. It always felt that it would be Schmeichel who determined when his City career would be over, having indicated he may like to move elsewhere for the final few years before he hangs up his gloves.
But now it seems it may be the club, not the player, making the decision. Because for a window where there has been very little movement at City, Schmeichel’s departure would be significant. While at 35 and with one year left on his contract, he is never going to fetch a huge fee, getting his wages off the books will provide the club with more room to manoeuvre as they look to bring players in. City have one of the highest wage-to-turnover ratios in the Premier League, and so it has to be a key consideration in their recruitment.
But, while Schmeichel departing would free up finances, City are likely to want to bring in a new goalkeeper as his replacement. While Rodgers has referred to Ward as his ‘other number one’, the Wales international is currently out injured. Daniel Iversen has promise and won player of the year at Preston last summer, but has made errors in pre-season.
As well as Brighton’s Sanchez, City have been linked with Benfica’s Greek international goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, and so Schmeichel’s future does seem dependent on City being able to recruit a new number one. Failure in that process would give Schmeichel a chance to stay, but with the situation having reached this point, there may be tension there that hangs over City's campaign.
If Schmeichel was to go, there would need to be a passing of the armband too, but vice-captain Jonny Evans is a key figure for Rodgers and it would not be a difficult process, nor one that affects the squad dynamic too greatly, to name the Northern Irish centre-back as permanent skipper. Jamie Vardy, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, and Marc Albrighton form the rest of the leadership group, while Rodgers has already named Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as a potential future captain. There are options there.
And because it would free up finances on the wage bill, it may be the first domino for City in the transfer window, enabling them to start signing players in other areas. Time is on their side regarding the market, with five weeks to go until it closes, but not in terms of the Premier League season. City won’t want doubts over where they stand with their number one going into the first game against Brentford in just under a fortnight’s time.
Leicester Mercury
NICE are plotting a move for Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel, according to reports.
The French outfit are seeking a replacement for Walter Benitez following his move to PSV and have their eye on the Foxes goalkeeper.
Schmeichel, 35, has spent the last 11 years at Leicester and has won the Premier League and the FA Cup during that spell.
But he is believed to be open to the move according to French outlet L'Equipe.
Schmeichel is in the final year of his contract and is said to want to leave on amicable terms.
Leicester need to sell in order to balance the books too - Brendan Rodgers' hands are tied in terms of bringing players in until there are outgoings
One player Rodgers has his eye on his Robert Sanchez who would arrive as Schmeichel's replacement.
Schmeichel is one of Leicester’s top earners on around £130,000-a-week and he is set to hold talks over his future at the Midlands club.
Leicester will likely try to persuade the Denmark international to take a pay cut and potentially look to offload the shot-stopper if an agreement cannot be reached.
The Foxes could also cash in on Youri Tielemans this summer with the Belgian in the last year of his contract.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the midfielder's signature this summer and could wait for Leicester to reduce their £30million asking price.
With Leicester needing to raise funds they could reportedly be open to selling the likes of James Maddison, Wesley Fofana and Harvey Barnes later in the window.
The Sun
The French outfit are seeking a replacement for Walter Benitez following his move to PSV and have their eye on the Foxes goalkeeper.
Schmeichel, 35, has spent the last 11 years at Leicester and has won the Premier League and the FA Cup during that spell.
But he is believed to be open to the move according to French outlet L'Equipe.
Schmeichel is in the final year of his contract and is said to want to leave on amicable terms.
Leicester need to sell in order to balance the books too - Brendan Rodgers' hands are tied in terms of bringing players in until there are outgoings
One player Rodgers has his eye on his Robert Sanchez who would arrive as Schmeichel's replacement.
Schmeichel is one of Leicester’s top earners on around £130,000-a-week and he is set to hold talks over his future at the Midlands club.
Leicester will likely try to persuade the Denmark international to take a pay cut and potentially look to offload the shot-stopper if an agreement cannot be reached.
The Foxes could also cash in on Youri Tielemans this summer with the Belgian in the last year of his contract.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the midfielder's signature this summer and could wait for Leicester to reduce their £30million asking price.
With Leicester needing to raise funds they could reportedly be open to selling the likes of James Maddison, Wesley Fofana and Harvey Barnes later in the window.
The Sun
Pre-Season Winning Run Continues With Preston Success
Leicester City made it three friendly wins in a row with a 2-1 success over Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday.
Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes found the net for City inside the opening 18 minutes in Lancashire, before Ali McCann's deficit-halving strike in the second half, but it was the visitors who emerged with the victory in their fifth outing of pre-season.
After one Foxes squad sealed a 3-1 win at Derby County earlier in the day, manager Brendan Rodgers deployed another strong XI in the North West, with captain Kasper Schmeichel's maiden appearance of the summer among the team-news headlines.
On 11 minutes, Wesley Fofana's defensive header was the starting point of the move which led to their opener. Midfield general Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall soon took over, outmuscling Alan Browne, then threading a through-ball into Leicester's No.9, lurking on the edge of Preston's 18-yard box.
It was vintage Vardy, too, as the 35-year-old calmly stroked the ball beyond Freddie Woodman. A characteristically playful goal celebration followed.
Leicester were dominating the early proceedings against Ryan Lowe's Sky Bet Championship side. Perhaps out of frustration, Ryan Ledson earned an early yellow card – a rarity in pre-season – for a late challenge on James Maddison. City, though, remained composed and quickly doubled their lead.
Dewsbury-Hall, again, was in the thick of the build-up. It was his smart pirouette which evaded Bambo Diaby on the flank, before skidding a perfectly-weighted pass into Barnes. There was still plenty to do for City's No.7, who sheltered it assuredly and finished well for his third goal of the summer.
Rodgers' men were on control, holding the lion's share of possession for the entirely of the first half. There were chances for more goals as well. Ricardo Pereira's cross was headed wide of the post by Vardy. Albrighton then blazed over after Vardy ferried Barnes' low ball into his path.
An otherworldly first touch from Maddison later bought the No.10 time in the area, with only the ankles of Liam Lindsay preventing his low drive from testing Woodman. Ledson's block also kept the score down, as Barnes stuck a boot onto Albrighton's fizzed delivery across the Lilywhites' goalmouth.
Preston, who start their eighth consecutive second-tier campaign with a visit to Wigan Athletic next weekend, found another gear early in the second half. And the arrears were cut in half within five minutes of the restart as Andrew Hughes' floated cross was nodded past Schmeichel by McCann.
City were unlucky not to notch a third on 52 minutes. Newly-capped England international James Justin slipped the ball into Barnes, who darted past Lindsay on the byline, cutting it back into the six-yard box. Woodman, though, got there first before Vardy could pull the trigger.
Shortly afterwards, on the hour-mark, the ball grazed Fofana's forehead following superb wing-play from the evergreen Albrighton. Daniel Iversen, Preston's Player of the Season at the end of his loan spell from City last term, was then introduced to rapturous applause, replacing Schmeichel in the net.
Ayoze Pérez, on the other hand, was also brought on, with Albrighton the man to make way. Both sides will have felt aggrieved not to find the net soon after as Preston substitute Jordan Storey's powerful drive was instinctively clawed out of the near post by Iversen.
Rodgers' Premier League visitors countered, with flowing one-touch football involving Justin, Dewsbury-Hall and then Vardy, who hit a first-time effort over the bar. They got even closer when Maddison cut through the Preston defence and located Barnes. He could only find the base of the post, though.
That could have cost City had the linesman not raised his flag when Emil Riis Jakobsen – the hosts' top scorer last season – placed a loose ball past Iversen. While Leicester's attacking play impressed throughout, the latter stages offered a pre-season test of their defensive mettle too.
With Lowe's home side intent on rescuing a positive result just one week out from the outset of their league campaign, the Foxes' backline had to stand up. The competitiveness of the clash also showed as Storey, Benjamin Whiteman and Ched Evans all earned cautions in the final half an hour.
With the entirety of Leicester's back four playing the full 90 in Preston, it was a challenge they met. It could have been better, as Barnes fired straight at Woodman inside added time, but City nevertheless made it two wins from two on Saturday. Just a fortnight to go until the new Premier League season.
The sight of Jamie Vardy pouncing onto a through ball and bulging the net has been a frequent spectacle for the Blue Army over past seasons. To see the 35-year-old's potency on show in pre-season will be particularly exciting for the Foxes faithful ahead of the new campaign.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City made it three friendly wins in a row with a 2-1 success over Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday.
Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes found the net for City inside the opening 18 minutes in Lancashire, before Ali McCann's deficit-halving strike in the second half, but it was the visitors who emerged with the victory in their fifth outing of pre-season.
After one Foxes squad sealed a 3-1 win at Derby County earlier in the day, manager Brendan Rodgers deployed another strong XI in the North West, with captain Kasper Schmeichel's maiden appearance of the summer among the team-news headlines.
On 11 minutes, Wesley Fofana's defensive header was the starting point of the move which led to their opener. Midfield general Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall soon took over, outmuscling Alan Browne, then threading a through-ball into Leicester's No.9, lurking on the edge of Preston's 18-yard box.
It was vintage Vardy, too, as the 35-year-old calmly stroked the ball beyond Freddie Woodman. A characteristically playful goal celebration followed.
Leicester were dominating the early proceedings against Ryan Lowe's Sky Bet Championship side. Perhaps out of frustration, Ryan Ledson earned an early yellow card – a rarity in pre-season – for a late challenge on James Maddison. City, though, remained composed and quickly doubled their lead.
Dewsbury-Hall, again, was in the thick of the build-up. It was his smart pirouette which evaded Bambo Diaby on the flank, before skidding a perfectly-weighted pass into Barnes. There was still plenty to do for City's No.7, who sheltered it assuredly and finished well for his third goal of the summer.
Rodgers' men were on control, holding the lion's share of possession for the entirely of the first half. There were chances for more goals as well. Ricardo Pereira's cross was headed wide of the post by Vardy. Albrighton then blazed over after Vardy ferried Barnes' low ball into his path.
An otherworldly first touch from Maddison later bought the No.10 time in the area, with only the ankles of Liam Lindsay preventing his low drive from testing Woodman. Ledson's block also kept the score down, as Barnes stuck a boot onto Albrighton's fizzed delivery across the Lilywhites' goalmouth.
Preston, who start their eighth consecutive second-tier campaign with a visit to Wigan Athletic next weekend, found another gear early in the second half. And the arrears were cut in half within five minutes of the restart as Andrew Hughes' floated cross was nodded past Schmeichel by McCann.
City were unlucky not to notch a third on 52 minutes. Newly-capped England international James Justin slipped the ball into Barnes, who darted past Lindsay on the byline, cutting it back into the six-yard box. Woodman, though, got there first before Vardy could pull the trigger.
Shortly afterwards, on the hour-mark, the ball grazed Fofana's forehead following superb wing-play from the evergreen Albrighton. Daniel Iversen, Preston's Player of the Season at the end of his loan spell from City last term, was then introduced to rapturous applause, replacing Schmeichel in the net.
Ayoze Pérez, on the other hand, was also brought on, with Albrighton the man to make way. Both sides will have felt aggrieved not to find the net soon after as Preston substitute Jordan Storey's powerful drive was instinctively clawed out of the near post by Iversen.
Rodgers' Premier League visitors countered, with flowing one-touch football involving Justin, Dewsbury-Hall and then Vardy, who hit a first-time effort over the bar. They got even closer when Maddison cut through the Preston defence and located Barnes. He could only find the base of the post, though.
That could have cost City had the linesman not raised his flag when Emil Riis Jakobsen – the hosts' top scorer last season – placed a loose ball past Iversen. While Leicester's attacking play impressed throughout, the latter stages offered a pre-season test of their defensive mettle too.
With Lowe's home side intent on rescuing a positive result just one week out from the outset of their league campaign, the Foxes' backline had to stand up. The competitiveness of the clash also showed as Storey, Benjamin Whiteman and Ched Evans all earned cautions in the final half an hour.
With the entirety of Leicester's back four playing the full 90 in Preston, it was a challenge they met. It could have been better, as Barnes fired straight at Woodman inside added time, but City nevertheless made it two wins from two on Saturday. Just a fortnight to go until the new Premier League season.
The sight of Jamie Vardy pouncing onto a through ball and bulging the net has been a frequent spectacle for the Blue Army over past seasons. To see the 35-year-old's potency on show in pre-season will be particularly exciting for the Foxes faithful ahead of the new campaign.
LCFC.COM
Iheanacho, Daka & Wright Seal Derby Win
Leicester City recorded back-to-back pre-season victories after beating Derby County 3-1 on Saturday at Pride Park.
After a first-half stalemate, Kelechi Iheanacho slammed a well-taken strike into the net for his maiden goal of pre-season before Derby's Tom Barkhuizen levelled matters 10 minutes later. But Patson Daka struck for the third time this pre-season and Callum Wright got himself on the scoresheet to win it for City.
With two fixtures falling on the same day, and a City side taking on Preston North End at Deepdale under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers two hours after the clash with Derby, assistant manager Chris Davies took the team at Pride Park.
The starting XI in Derbyshire was captained by Youri Tielemans, while fellow midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was back available after missing the fixtures away to Notts County, OH Leuven and Hull City with an ankle sprain.
Prior to kick-off, there was a period of applause in memory of former Derby County inside forward Jack Parry, who sadly passed away this week. Both sides also wore black armbands in tribute to Derby's fifth all-time appearance maker.
Starting in a 5-3-2 stratagem, and backed by a healthy Blue Army contingent in the East Midlands, the Foxes were tasked with defending against a direct Barkhuizen run in the opening 10 minutes. Turkey's Çağlar Söyüncü got in the way, before the Derby No.7 followed up with an effort that deflected behind.
City were growing into the game, and only a well-timed challenge from Curtis Davies on the quarter-hour mark prevented Iheanacho from latching onto Daka's touch after good work from Tielemans in the build-up.
More positive play from the Foxes soon followed, with Dennis Praet sweeping a pass out to England Under-21s international Luke Thomas on the left wing. The full-back cut inside onto his right boot and curled into the arms of Joe Wildsmith.
A sublime pass from Tielemans created the next chance for City, with the Belgian international locating a well-timed run from countryman Praet. The No.26 sent the ball across the face of goal, Daka missed it and then Thomas cut it back to Iheanacho, whose effort was cleared off the line.
Leicester were finding their rhythm, and after Iheanacho rolled a pass into the path of Daka, the Zambia striker sprinted towards goal, but placed his attempt into the side-netting. Then, Thomas delivered into the No.29, who fired wide at the near post. Chances aplenty for the visitors.
Having created much in the opening stages, Tielemans switched his tact and went for goal on 27 minutes, however Davies dipped his head and got in the way of the powerful 20-yard drive. Not long after, a good save from Wildsmith with his legs prevented Daka from slotting in Timothy Castagne's delivery, although the offside flag was eventually raised.
Derby's threat now switched to the counter-attack, with Barkhuizen leading the charge. A show of pace down the left flank nearly set up an opportunity, however Ghana centre-back Daniel Amartey read the run perfectly, with his tackle winning a goal-kick for the men in blue.
Before the first half came to a close, Davies headed away a clipped pass from Praet, Wildsmith held onto a Thomas delivery and Iheanacho lifted a free-kick over the crossbar. City looked encouraging, but were unable to break down the Rams in the opening 45 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, the deadlock was broken by the visitors. Tielemans picked out Castagne on the right flank, and the full-back squared to Iheanacho, who took a touch to set himself before smashing into the bottom corner for 1-0.
With just over an hour under his belt, Ndidi made way and on came Senegal AFCON winner Papy Mendy in a like-for-like substitution. Shortly after, though, Barkhuizen side-footed past Jakub Stolarczyk to restore parity at Pride Park.
A trio of Belgians combined on 70 minutes, with Castagne eventually picking out Praet, whose first-time attempt was blocked by the body of James Chester. A snapshot strike from Daka then flew off target as City went in search of a winner.
Daka continued to be a danger to Derby's goal, with the Zambian squeezing a shot on goal that Wildsmith was equal to. At the other end, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing sliced wide of the mark from inside the City box. On came Hamza Choudhury in place of Praet shortly after.
There was no doubting Leicester were in the ascendancy, and it was that man Daka, now with three goals in his last three pre-season outings, who would find the target with a cool finish - 11 minutes remained at Pride Park.
In the closing stages, goalscorer Iheanacho was replaced by young midfielder Wright, who soon made it 3-1 after pouncing on Wildsmith's save from Tielemans, having only been on the pitch for four minutes.
An ambitious effort from Daka on 90 minutes nearly saw him lob Wildsmith from significant range, before Stolarczyk had to make amends by pulling off an excellent save in stoppage time.
Although the Foxes were good value for their 1-0 advantage after Kelechi Iheanacho fired beyond Joe Wildsmith on 55 minutes, Tom Barkhuizen's leveller meant the fixture was heading for a draw. However, a well-timed run from Patson Daka led to the Zambia frontman netting his third goal of pre-season before Callum Wright added another.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City recorded back-to-back pre-season victories after beating Derby County 3-1 on Saturday at Pride Park.
After a first-half stalemate, Kelechi Iheanacho slammed a well-taken strike into the net for his maiden goal of pre-season before Derby's Tom Barkhuizen levelled matters 10 minutes later. But Patson Daka struck for the third time this pre-season and Callum Wright got himself on the scoresheet to win it for City.
With two fixtures falling on the same day, and a City side taking on Preston North End at Deepdale under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers two hours after the clash with Derby, assistant manager Chris Davies took the team at Pride Park.
The starting XI in Derbyshire was captained by Youri Tielemans, while fellow midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was back available after missing the fixtures away to Notts County, OH Leuven and Hull City with an ankle sprain.
Prior to kick-off, there was a period of applause in memory of former Derby County inside forward Jack Parry, who sadly passed away this week. Both sides also wore black armbands in tribute to Derby's fifth all-time appearance maker.
Starting in a 5-3-2 stratagem, and backed by a healthy Blue Army contingent in the East Midlands, the Foxes were tasked with defending against a direct Barkhuizen run in the opening 10 minutes. Turkey's Çağlar Söyüncü got in the way, before the Derby No.7 followed up with an effort that deflected behind.
City were growing into the game, and only a well-timed challenge from Curtis Davies on the quarter-hour mark prevented Iheanacho from latching onto Daka's touch after good work from Tielemans in the build-up.
More positive play from the Foxes soon followed, with Dennis Praet sweeping a pass out to England Under-21s international Luke Thomas on the left wing. The full-back cut inside onto his right boot and curled into the arms of Joe Wildsmith.
A sublime pass from Tielemans created the next chance for City, with the Belgian international locating a well-timed run from countryman Praet. The No.26 sent the ball across the face of goal, Daka missed it and then Thomas cut it back to Iheanacho, whose effort was cleared off the line.
Leicester were finding their rhythm, and after Iheanacho rolled a pass into the path of Daka, the Zambia striker sprinted towards goal, but placed his attempt into the side-netting. Then, Thomas delivered into the No.29, who fired wide at the near post. Chances aplenty for the visitors.
Having created much in the opening stages, Tielemans switched his tact and went for goal on 27 minutes, however Davies dipped his head and got in the way of the powerful 20-yard drive. Not long after, a good save from Wildsmith with his legs prevented Daka from slotting in Timothy Castagne's delivery, although the offside flag was eventually raised.
Derby's threat now switched to the counter-attack, with Barkhuizen leading the charge. A show of pace down the left flank nearly set up an opportunity, however Ghana centre-back Daniel Amartey read the run perfectly, with his tackle winning a goal-kick for the men in blue.
Before the first half came to a close, Davies headed away a clipped pass from Praet, Wildsmith held onto a Thomas delivery and Iheanacho lifted a free-kick over the crossbar. City looked encouraging, but were unable to break down the Rams in the opening 45 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, the deadlock was broken by the visitors. Tielemans picked out Castagne on the right flank, and the full-back squared to Iheanacho, who took a touch to set himself before smashing into the bottom corner for 1-0.
With just over an hour under his belt, Ndidi made way and on came Senegal AFCON winner Papy Mendy in a like-for-like substitution. Shortly after, though, Barkhuizen side-footed past Jakub Stolarczyk to restore parity at Pride Park.
A trio of Belgians combined on 70 minutes, with Castagne eventually picking out Praet, whose first-time attempt was blocked by the body of James Chester. A snapshot strike from Daka then flew off target as City went in search of a winner.
Daka continued to be a danger to Derby's goal, with the Zambian squeezing a shot on goal that Wildsmith was equal to. At the other end, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing sliced wide of the mark from inside the City box. On came Hamza Choudhury in place of Praet shortly after.
There was no doubting Leicester were in the ascendancy, and it was that man Daka, now with three goals in his last three pre-season outings, who would find the target with a cool finish - 11 minutes remained at Pride Park.
In the closing stages, goalscorer Iheanacho was replaced by young midfielder Wright, who soon made it 3-1 after pouncing on Wildsmith's save from Tielemans, having only been on the pitch for four minutes.
An ambitious effort from Daka on 90 minutes nearly saw him lob Wildsmith from significant range, before Stolarczyk had to make amends by pulling off an excellent save in stoppage time.
Although the Foxes were good value for their 1-0 advantage after Kelechi Iheanacho fired beyond Joe Wildsmith on 55 minutes, Tom Barkhuizen's leveller meant the fixture was heading for a draw. However, a well-timed run from Patson Daka led to the Zambia frontman netting his third goal of pre-season before Callum Wright added another.
LCFC.COM
Newcastle target Leicester forward as part of swoop for £90m Premier League pair
Leicester have slapped a £50m price tag on Harvey Barnes as Newcastle target the winger along with a second Premier League forward.
The Magpies have already spent close to £60m this summer, with Sven Botman joining from Lille, Nick Pope making the move from Burnley and Matt Targett making his loan move from Aston Villa permanent.
But Eddie Howe wants to add forwards to his ranks and he’s reportedly very keen on Barnes. The 24-year-old endured an injury-hit season in 2021-22 but is still valued highly by the Foxes, with The Sun claiming the club won’t listen to offers below £50m. That’s likely to put Newcastle off the deal with their stance of refusing to offer over the odds for potential new additions to the squad.
And that’s also the case when it comes to their chase of Everton star Anthony Gordon. Newcastle reportedly value the England Under-21 international at £25m but the Toffees want £40m for his transfer. But their chase of Gordon is perhaps more likely to be successful given Everton’s financial problems and Frank Lampard’s inability to add significantly to his squad without player sales.
Howe is also said to be interested in Leeds winger Jack Harrison, who could be a cheap alternative to Barnes, with Newcastle said to have offered £18m. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has now responded to these comments, suggesting that Harrison’s “intention” is to remain at Leeds. “Jack unintentionally brought attention to the whole situation because, for sure, his intention is to be with us,” said Marsch (via Leeds Live).
“Even when I mentioned about [how] we listen to lots of offers for lots of players, that’s the reality of what our business is. “There’s always interest in our players because we have quality players. We’re in the top league in the world, but we feel strongly the guys we have within our group right now can help us be really successful and Jack is certainly one of those.
“Jack really didn’t mean to bring any attention to it and I’m sure he’ll have his chance to give his side of things, but I know he’s happy here. I know he loves playing for the club and he and I have a great relationship, and he knows how important I think he is to what we’re doing here in the future.”
Football 365
Leicester have slapped a £50m price tag on Harvey Barnes as Newcastle target the winger along with a second Premier League forward.
The Magpies have already spent close to £60m this summer, with Sven Botman joining from Lille, Nick Pope making the move from Burnley and Matt Targett making his loan move from Aston Villa permanent.
But Eddie Howe wants to add forwards to his ranks and he’s reportedly very keen on Barnes. The 24-year-old endured an injury-hit season in 2021-22 but is still valued highly by the Foxes, with The Sun claiming the club won’t listen to offers below £50m. That’s likely to put Newcastle off the deal with their stance of refusing to offer over the odds for potential new additions to the squad.
And that’s also the case when it comes to their chase of Everton star Anthony Gordon. Newcastle reportedly value the England Under-21 international at £25m but the Toffees want £40m for his transfer. But their chase of Gordon is perhaps more likely to be successful given Everton’s financial problems and Frank Lampard’s inability to add significantly to his squad without player sales.
Howe is also said to be interested in Leeds winger Jack Harrison, who could be a cheap alternative to Barnes, with Newcastle said to have offered £18m. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has now responded to these comments, suggesting that Harrison’s “intention” is to remain at Leeds. “Jack unintentionally brought attention to the whole situation because, for sure, his intention is to be with us,” said Marsch (via Leeds Live).
“Even when I mentioned about [how] we listen to lots of offers for lots of players, that’s the reality of what our business is. “There’s always interest in our players because we have quality players. We’re in the top league in the world, but we feel strongly the guys we have within our group right now can help us be really successful and Jack is certainly one of those.
“Jack really didn’t mean to bring any attention to it and I’m sure he’ll have his chance to give his side of things, but I know he’s happy here. I know he loves playing for the club and he and I have a great relationship, and he knows how important I think he is to what we’re doing here in the future.”
Football 365
Midfielder sale could help Foxes with FFP
Arsenal will still look to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans despite Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Zinchenko has been unveiled as the Gunners’ latest acquisition after a £32million deal was struck with Manchester City, but Tielemans remains among boss Mikel Arteta’s targets.
Uncertainty remains over where Tielemans will be plying his trade next season as he has entered the final 12 months of his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester and not been interested in extending his stay at the King Power Stadium.
Arsenal are understood to be confident of fending off competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and sealing the Belgian’s arrival for £30million before the September 1 transfer deadline.
It appears the Gunners are right to be optimistic of winning the race for Tielemans’ signature as he would reportedly favour a move to the Emirates Stadium over linking up with the Red Devils. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the central midfielder has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
Leicester could be forced into selling Tielemans for a cut-price fee because there are fears that they may otherwise fail to comply with Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Sheth is insistent that Tielemans remains among Arsenal’s summer targets despite Zinchenko’s arrival in north London. The Sky Sports reporter believes Arteta will be viewing the Ukrainian primarily as a left-back, meaning he would still be in the market for a central midfielderWhen asked whether Zinchenko’s acquisition will have an impact on Arsenal’s interest in Tielemans, Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “No, not necessarily because Zinchenko has been predominantly used as a left-back.
“I think Arteta would have looked at it and thought ‘I had issues in that area when Kieran Tierney was injured, so I can use him in various positions’.”
Give Me Sport
Arsenal will still look to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans despite Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Zinchenko has been unveiled as the Gunners’ latest acquisition after a £32million deal was struck with Manchester City, but Tielemans remains among boss Mikel Arteta’s targets.
Uncertainty remains over where Tielemans will be plying his trade next season as he has entered the final 12 months of his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester and not been interested in extending his stay at the King Power Stadium.
Arsenal are understood to be confident of fending off competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and sealing the Belgian’s arrival for £30million before the September 1 transfer deadline.
It appears the Gunners are right to be optimistic of winning the race for Tielemans’ signature as he would reportedly favour a move to the Emirates Stadium over linking up with the Red Devils. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the central midfielder has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
Leicester could be forced into selling Tielemans for a cut-price fee because there are fears that they may otherwise fail to comply with Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Sheth is insistent that Tielemans remains among Arsenal’s summer targets despite Zinchenko’s arrival in north London. The Sky Sports reporter believes Arteta will be viewing the Ukrainian primarily as a left-back, meaning he would still be in the market for a central midfielderWhen asked whether Zinchenko’s acquisition will have an impact on Arsenal’s interest in Tielemans, Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “No, not necessarily because Zinchenko has been predominantly used as a left-back.
“I think Arteta would have looked at it and thought ‘I had issues in that area when Kieran Tierney was injured, so I can use him in various positions’.”
Give Me Sport
Four-Goal Leicester Defeat Hull In Pre-Season
Leicester City secured their maiden pre-season victory of the summer with a 4-0 success over Hull City at MKM Stadium on Wednesday night.
Patson Daka opened the scoring for the Foxes ahead of the interval, before second-half goals from Harvey Barnes, Wesley Fofana and James Maddison ensured it would be the visitors who received the inaugural Corendon Cup at full-time.
While goalkeeper Daniel Iversen played the full 90 in East Yorkshire, there were 10 different starters in each half for Brendan Rodgers' men – handing each outfield player another 45 minutes following friendlies against Notts County and OH Leuven so far this summer.
City, adorning their new 2022/23 adidas home kit, kicked off on a mild evening against the Tigers, themselves sporting an unfamiliar white and red colourway. The visitors dominated much of the early possession, although they had to wait until the 10th minute to carve out the first true opportunity.
Papy Mendy fed Ayoze Pérez in a central position, before the Spaniard slipped a through ball into Daka, who had Hull defender Tobias Figueiredo for company. The Zambia international, though, was nonetheless able to unleash a low drive at Matt Ingram's net, skidding it wide of the far post.
Shota Arveladze's second tier outfit, who begin their campaign on 30 July, also posed a threat. Brave defending from Jannik Vestergaard was required in a congested area on 16 minutes when Sean McLoughlin swung a corner in, while Iversen also did well to punch Regan Slater's cross away.
At the other end, Youri Tielemans glided a corner of his own into Hull's box and it was deflected towards Çağlar Söyüncü, whose header lacked the power required to test Ingram. Elsewhere, an audacious free-kick from Ozan Tufan – a Turkey team-mate of Söyüncü's – flew past Iversen's far post.
On the half-hour mark, Leicester led. Their high-press paid off when Dennis Praet combined with Daka to pinch the ball away from Jean Michael Seri, before City's No.29 raced through the Tigers' backline and slotted the ball into the near corner. That was his second strike of the summer so far.
An XI including Jamie Vardy, Fofana and Maddison emerged for the second period in Hull, as Rodgers loaded more valuable pre-season minutes into the legs of another 10 players. Within three minutes, it was 2-0 to the Foxes, with Barnes also doubling his summer goals tally.
It would not have been possible, however, without an ambitious charge forwards from Boubakary Soumaré, as the Frenchman worked his way into a pocket of space, teeing up Barnes. On the left angle of the area, the Academy graduate then took a touch and drilled a deflected effort beyond Ingram's reach.
A bright opening to the second 45 got better for Rodgers' visitors too. A tidy touch from Maddison, on the right flank, was followed by a precise ball into the area – inviting Fofana to glance his header, via the post, into the back of the net. Leicester were on the front foot as nightfall fell.
Soumaré then launched a powerful half-volley straight at the Tigers 'keeper, while Maddison fizzed a free-kick wide from 20 yards out. With 73 minutes on the clock, Hull provided a reminder of their attacking danger, with Jacob Greaves heading Seri's free-kick narrowly the wrong side of Iversen's far post.
Another stylish goal was added to the collection with six minutes remaining, though. It began with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threading a pass through to Maddison. City's No.10 then spun on the spot, past McLoughlin, before also turning Greaves and locating the bottom corner from just inside the box.
Fresh from netting in City's 3-3 draw at Belgian sister club OH Leuven at the weekend, Patson Daka continued his goalscoring form in Hull, converting a composed finish on 29 minutes. It offered a starting point for Leicester, who would add another three goals on the night.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City secured their maiden pre-season victory of the summer with a 4-0 success over Hull City at MKM Stadium on Wednesday night.
Patson Daka opened the scoring for the Foxes ahead of the interval, before second-half goals from Harvey Barnes, Wesley Fofana and James Maddison ensured it would be the visitors who received the inaugural Corendon Cup at full-time.
While goalkeeper Daniel Iversen played the full 90 in East Yorkshire, there were 10 different starters in each half for Brendan Rodgers' men – handing each outfield player another 45 minutes following friendlies against Notts County and OH Leuven so far this summer.
City, adorning their new 2022/23 adidas home kit, kicked off on a mild evening against the Tigers, themselves sporting an unfamiliar white and red colourway. The visitors dominated much of the early possession, although they had to wait until the 10th minute to carve out the first true opportunity.
Papy Mendy fed Ayoze Pérez in a central position, before the Spaniard slipped a through ball into Daka, who had Hull defender Tobias Figueiredo for company. The Zambia international, though, was nonetheless able to unleash a low drive at Matt Ingram's net, skidding it wide of the far post.
Shota Arveladze's second tier outfit, who begin their campaign on 30 July, also posed a threat. Brave defending from Jannik Vestergaard was required in a congested area on 16 minutes when Sean McLoughlin swung a corner in, while Iversen also did well to punch Regan Slater's cross away.
At the other end, Youri Tielemans glided a corner of his own into Hull's box and it was deflected towards Çağlar Söyüncü, whose header lacked the power required to test Ingram. Elsewhere, an audacious free-kick from Ozan Tufan – a Turkey team-mate of Söyüncü's – flew past Iversen's far post.
On the half-hour mark, Leicester led. Their high-press paid off when Dennis Praet combined with Daka to pinch the ball away from Jean Michael Seri, before City's No.29 raced through the Tigers' backline and slotted the ball into the near corner. That was his second strike of the summer so far.
An XI including Jamie Vardy, Fofana and Maddison emerged for the second period in Hull, as Rodgers loaded more valuable pre-season minutes into the legs of another 10 players. Within three minutes, it was 2-0 to the Foxes, with Barnes also doubling his summer goals tally.
It would not have been possible, however, without an ambitious charge forwards from Boubakary Soumaré, as the Frenchman worked his way into a pocket of space, teeing up Barnes. On the left angle of the area, the Academy graduate then took a touch and drilled a deflected effort beyond Ingram's reach.
A bright opening to the second 45 got better for Rodgers' visitors too. A tidy touch from Maddison, on the right flank, was followed by a precise ball into the area – inviting Fofana to glance his header, via the post, into the back of the net. Leicester were on the front foot as nightfall fell.
Soumaré then launched a powerful half-volley straight at the Tigers 'keeper, while Maddison fizzed a free-kick wide from 20 yards out. With 73 minutes on the clock, Hull provided a reminder of their attacking danger, with Jacob Greaves heading Seri's free-kick narrowly the wrong side of Iversen's far post.
Another stylish goal was added to the collection with six minutes remaining, though. It began with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threading a pass through to Maddison. City's No.10 then spun on the spot, past McLoughlin, before also turning Greaves and locating the bottom corner from just inside the box.
Fresh from netting in City's 3-3 draw at Belgian sister club OH Leuven at the weekend, Patson Daka continued his goalscoring form in Hull, converting a composed finish on 29 minutes. It offered a starting point for Leicester, who would add another three goals on the night.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City fans far less hopeful than this time last season
• Fans were asked how optimistic they are for the upcoming season as part of Sky Bet’s Fan Hope research
• On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not optimistic at all, 10 being very optimistic) Leicester City fans scored a 6.7
• This time last season Foxes fans scored 8.41
Ahead of the new Premier League season, fans have been sharing their levels of optimism as part of the latest Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey.
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not optimistic at all, 10 being very optimistic), Foxes fans scored 6.7, placing them 9th in the Sky Bet Fan Hope table. This varies from this time last season, where optimistic Leicester fans scored an 8.41, as they predicted a top four finish.
There certainly isn’t pessimism at King Power Stadium though, with the overwhelming feeling from fans heading into the new season is excitement (71%). However, only 14% of Foxes fans feel confident, with 3% dreading the start of the new campaign.
When it comes to transfer activity, Leicester fans want to see the arrival on an attacking midfielder, with 30% of fans claiming that is where they need to strengthen.
Research was completed by Sky Bet in partnership with YouGov, and surveyed 1,600 UK adults aged 18+ who are fans of the associated clubs.
• Fans were asked how optimistic they are for the upcoming season as part of Sky Bet’s Fan Hope research
• On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not optimistic at all, 10 being very optimistic) Leicester City fans scored a 6.7
• This time last season Foxes fans scored 8.41
Ahead of the new Premier League season, fans have been sharing their levels of optimism as part of the latest Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey.
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not optimistic at all, 10 being very optimistic), Foxes fans scored 6.7, placing them 9th in the Sky Bet Fan Hope table. This varies from this time last season, where optimistic Leicester fans scored an 8.41, as they predicted a top four finish.
There certainly isn’t pessimism at King Power Stadium though, with the overwhelming feeling from fans heading into the new season is excitement (71%). However, only 14% of Foxes fans feel confident, with 3% dreading the start of the new campaign.
When it comes to transfer activity, Leicester fans want to see the arrival on an attacking midfielder, with 30% of fans claiming that is where they need to strengthen.
Research was completed by Sky Bet in partnership with YouGov, and surveyed 1,600 UK adults aged 18+ who are fans of the associated clubs.
Tielemans to discuss Leicester future
Youri Tielemans will sit down to discuss his Leicester City future with manager Brendan Rodgers this week.
He currently has one year left on his existing contract and has consistently refused offers of a new deal.
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the midfielder but the £34m signing of Fabio Vieira, who plays in a similar role to Tielemans, means they are unlikely to pursue a deal with Leicester right now.
Manchester United and Newcastle are also reportedly interested in Tielemans, though they have yet to make any concrete offers.
Sky Sports News reported last month that Leicester are keen to tie the Belgium international down with a one-year contract extension, in order to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next summer. Tielemans is open to that possibility if no suitable transfer offer emerges before the end of this window.
But Rodgers wants more clarity on Tielemans' intentions, with the club needing to sell players before they can spend on any new talent.
Leicester are currently the only Premier League side yet to sign any new players for the season which starts in less than three weeks.
Tielemans returned to pre-season last week, joining the rest of the Leicester squad for their training camp in Evian, France.
"He's happy in his work and he's happy at the club," Rodgers has said. "But naturally with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he's committed while he is here.
“I'll have a good chat with Youri to get privately what he's thinking. But it won't change, whether he's leaving or staying for another five years, he'll still be super committed."
Sky Sports
Youri Tielemans will sit down to discuss his Leicester City future with manager Brendan Rodgers this week.
He currently has one year left on his existing contract and has consistently refused offers of a new deal.
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the midfielder but the £34m signing of Fabio Vieira, who plays in a similar role to Tielemans, means they are unlikely to pursue a deal with Leicester right now.
Manchester United and Newcastle are also reportedly interested in Tielemans, though they have yet to make any concrete offers.
Sky Sports News reported last month that Leicester are keen to tie the Belgium international down with a one-year contract extension, in order to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next summer. Tielemans is open to that possibility if no suitable transfer offer emerges before the end of this window.
But Rodgers wants more clarity on Tielemans' intentions, with the club needing to sell players before they can spend on any new talent.
Leicester are currently the only Premier League side yet to sign any new players for the season which starts in less than three weeks.
Tielemans returned to pre-season last week, joining the rest of the Leicester squad for their training camp in Evian, France.
"He's happy in his work and he's happy at the club," Rodgers has said. "But naturally with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he's committed while he is here.
“I'll have a good chat with Youri to get privately what he's thinking. But it won't change, whether he's leaving or staying for another five years, he'll still be super committed."
Sky Sports
Six-Goal Draw As King Power Clubs Face Off In Leuven
Across two hours of football split up into three periods, City fielded 26 players, of which 22 played an hour, with strikes from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy sealing a draw in Belgium.
After a week of intense training in Évian-les-Bains, the Foxes made the hour-long flight to the beautiful city of Leuven to tackle OH Leuven, who laid on a family fun day for both sets of supporters in the build-up to a match that celebrated five years of King Power International's ownership of the host outfit.
As expected, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (ankle) was not involved, however Hamza Choudhury had successfully shaken off a knock to take a spot on the bench. With Chairman of both clubs, Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, watching on, the first-half XI saw manager Brendan Rodgers hand the captain's armband to centre-back Jonny Evans, who, like many other Foxes, made his first appearance of the summer schedule.
OH Leuven, who were contesting their final pre-season fixture before their Jupiler Pro League campaign gets underway, were straight out of the blocks as Mousa Al-Tamari curled home past Daniel Iversen inside the first minute. A shoulder-to-shoulder challenge from Wesley Fofana and then a lovely right-handed save then denied the Leuven No.11 on two separate occasions.
Not content with their early goal, Leuven were continuing to apply the pressure. This time, Boubakary Soumaré stopped Mathieu Maertens' low drive. Leicester grew into the game, allowing Ayoze Pérez to venture forward and force a good save out of Valentin Cojocaru, who did well to claw the ball out of the bottom corner. Soon, though, the hosts capitalised on another goalscoring opportunity. Former Denmark youth international Iversen was beaten to the ball by Nachon Nsingi, the forward then nodded it into his own path and tapped in for 2-0 on 12 minutes.
The men in all blue - playing in the 2022/23 home kit in front of the travelling Blue Army for the first time - looked for a response, with Ricardo Pereira crossing into Dewsbury-Hall, however the Academy graduate was unable to direct his header on target and was later deemed to be offside. Cojocaru then held onto Daka's low delivery, while Nsingi nodded a Maertens cross off target. James Maddison looked lively in the Belgium sun, twice seeing efforts deflect away either side of a good piece of defending from Evans to stop Nsingi's run towards goal. Fellow midfielder Dewsbury-Hall, from a slightly deeper position, then fired low at Cojocaru, who held onto the attempt.
After, Maertens had a goal chalked off for offside Raphael Holzhauser bent a left-footed free-kick wide. Excellent footwork from Harvey Barnes on 33 minutes, meanwhile, called Cojocaru into action, as the No.7 drifted past his marker before smashing a strike towards the near post. Barnes turned provider not long after, teeing up James Justin, who curled towards goal, but Cojocaru was once again in the way and Daka couldn't quite get to the follow up. Then, the winger stood the ball up to Pérez at the far post, and the Spaniard connected well with a header, however he couldn't beat Cojocaru.
City were desperately unfortunate not to halve the deficit in added time, with Barnes beating his man and curling towards the bottom corner, but Cojocaru made the save, and then Daka pounced on the loose ball only for his strike to be blocked on the line. The first 45 minutes came to a close. Into the second period, Leicester reduced their deficit to a single goal thanks to a brilliantly-executed goal from Dewsbury-Hall. The No.22 picked the ball up, drove forward and curled into the bottom corner with his left boot.
Evans got in the way of Al-Tamari's attempt from inside the City box 10 minutes after the break, while Ewoud Pletinckx stood strong to prevent Maddison's shot from testing Cojocaru. Maddison's quick thinking helped City get on level terms. After Soumaré won a free-kick, the No.10 took it immediately and a superb pass located the head of Daka, who nodded in for 2-2. Moments later, on the hour mark, a new XI took to the pitch, skippered by Vardy, allowing 22 players to gather 60 minutes of match action each.
With nine minutes of the second 45 to go, Nigeria frontman Kelechi Iheanacho gathered the ball and turned just inside the area before slamming inches wide in front of a healthy contingent of City supporters. Substitute goalkeeper Nordin Jackers denied Iheanacho in the next attack, as the visiting outfit continued their quest for a third of the afternoon. Closing in on the 90-minute mark, and still with 30 minutes of additional time to play, Maertens smashed a half-volley harmlessly over Jakub Stolarczyk's crossbar. Youri Tielemans nearly set up Iheanacho in the opposite half, however a well-timed tackle prevented him from pulling the trigger.
After the match entered the final half-an-hour, Leuven were back in front after Daniel Amartey was dispossessed and Mykola Kukharevych slotted in on 92 minutes. In the hunt for more, substitute Richie Sagrado lifted well off target two minutes later. Dennis Praet, himself born in Leuven, struck towards the net 10 minutes into the final 30, however Marc Brys' side did well to defend and retained their one-goal advantage. Not long after, the No.26 drilled into the arms of Jacker.
Leicester's pressure told in the 101st minute. Following some good closing down from Tielemans, Vardy was alert to a defensive error and tucked home his first goal of pre-season to make it three goals apiece at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion. A golden opportunity for Iheanacho to put Leicester in front for the first time in the game followed, the striker glancing Belgium international Timothy Castagne's well-weighted pass over the crossbar.
With just over 10 minutes left on the clock, on came Hamza Choudhury, Marc Albrighton, Sammy Braybrooke and Callum Wright, allowing a further four players to experience friendly action at the end of a busy week for the Club's stars. On the volley, Vardy flicked the ball towards goal, only for Jacker to cling onto the attempt on 112 minutes, while with three minutes remaining, Milan Taildeman struck from distance but found the body of Turkey centre-back Çağlar Söyüncü in his way. That brought to an end the 120-minute encounter in Belgium.
The Foxes did well to first recover from a two-goal deficit before they again drew level when Jamie Vardy, off the bench, converted a loose ball in the OH Leuven area.
That's the way it finished at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion, despite Vardy having a late chance to pinch the victory for his side.
LCFC.Com
Across two hours of football split up into three periods, City fielded 26 players, of which 22 played an hour, with strikes from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy sealing a draw in Belgium.
After a week of intense training in Évian-les-Bains, the Foxes made the hour-long flight to the beautiful city of Leuven to tackle OH Leuven, who laid on a family fun day for both sets of supporters in the build-up to a match that celebrated five years of King Power International's ownership of the host outfit.
As expected, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (ankle) was not involved, however Hamza Choudhury had successfully shaken off a knock to take a spot on the bench. With Chairman of both clubs, Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, watching on, the first-half XI saw manager Brendan Rodgers hand the captain's armband to centre-back Jonny Evans, who, like many other Foxes, made his first appearance of the summer schedule.
OH Leuven, who were contesting their final pre-season fixture before their Jupiler Pro League campaign gets underway, were straight out of the blocks as Mousa Al-Tamari curled home past Daniel Iversen inside the first minute. A shoulder-to-shoulder challenge from Wesley Fofana and then a lovely right-handed save then denied the Leuven No.11 on two separate occasions.
Not content with their early goal, Leuven were continuing to apply the pressure. This time, Boubakary Soumaré stopped Mathieu Maertens' low drive. Leicester grew into the game, allowing Ayoze Pérez to venture forward and force a good save out of Valentin Cojocaru, who did well to claw the ball out of the bottom corner. Soon, though, the hosts capitalised on another goalscoring opportunity. Former Denmark youth international Iversen was beaten to the ball by Nachon Nsingi, the forward then nodded it into his own path and tapped in for 2-0 on 12 minutes.
The men in all blue - playing in the 2022/23 home kit in front of the travelling Blue Army for the first time - looked for a response, with Ricardo Pereira crossing into Dewsbury-Hall, however the Academy graduate was unable to direct his header on target and was later deemed to be offside. Cojocaru then held onto Daka's low delivery, while Nsingi nodded a Maertens cross off target. James Maddison looked lively in the Belgium sun, twice seeing efforts deflect away either side of a good piece of defending from Evans to stop Nsingi's run towards goal. Fellow midfielder Dewsbury-Hall, from a slightly deeper position, then fired low at Cojocaru, who held onto the attempt.
After, Maertens had a goal chalked off for offside Raphael Holzhauser bent a left-footed free-kick wide. Excellent footwork from Harvey Barnes on 33 minutes, meanwhile, called Cojocaru into action, as the No.7 drifted past his marker before smashing a strike towards the near post. Barnes turned provider not long after, teeing up James Justin, who curled towards goal, but Cojocaru was once again in the way and Daka couldn't quite get to the follow up. Then, the winger stood the ball up to Pérez at the far post, and the Spaniard connected well with a header, however he couldn't beat Cojocaru.
City were desperately unfortunate not to halve the deficit in added time, with Barnes beating his man and curling towards the bottom corner, but Cojocaru made the save, and then Daka pounced on the loose ball only for his strike to be blocked on the line. The first 45 minutes came to a close. Into the second period, Leicester reduced their deficit to a single goal thanks to a brilliantly-executed goal from Dewsbury-Hall. The No.22 picked the ball up, drove forward and curled into the bottom corner with his left boot.
Evans got in the way of Al-Tamari's attempt from inside the City box 10 minutes after the break, while Ewoud Pletinckx stood strong to prevent Maddison's shot from testing Cojocaru. Maddison's quick thinking helped City get on level terms. After Soumaré won a free-kick, the No.10 took it immediately and a superb pass located the head of Daka, who nodded in for 2-2. Moments later, on the hour mark, a new XI took to the pitch, skippered by Vardy, allowing 22 players to gather 60 minutes of match action each.
With nine minutes of the second 45 to go, Nigeria frontman Kelechi Iheanacho gathered the ball and turned just inside the area before slamming inches wide in front of a healthy contingent of City supporters. Substitute goalkeeper Nordin Jackers denied Iheanacho in the next attack, as the visiting outfit continued their quest for a third of the afternoon. Closing in on the 90-minute mark, and still with 30 minutes of additional time to play, Maertens smashed a half-volley harmlessly over Jakub Stolarczyk's crossbar. Youri Tielemans nearly set up Iheanacho in the opposite half, however a well-timed tackle prevented him from pulling the trigger.
After the match entered the final half-an-hour, Leuven were back in front after Daniel Amartey was dispossessed and Mykola Kukharevych slotted in on 92 minutes. In the hunt for more, substitute Richie Sagrado lifted well off target two minutes later. Dennis Praet, himself born in Leuven, struck towards the net 10 minutes into the final 30, however Marc Brys' side did well to defend and retained their one-goal advantage. Not long after, the No.26 drilled into the arms of Jacker.
Leicester's pressure told in the 101st minute. Following some good closing down from Tielemans, Vardy was alert to a defensive error and tucked home his first goal of pre-season to make it three goals apiece at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion. A golden opportunity for Iheanacho to put Leicester in front for the first time in the game followed, the striker glancing Belgium international Timothy Castagne's well-weighted pass over the crossbar.
With just over 10 minutes left on the clock, on came Hamza Choudhury, Marc Albrighton, Sammy Braybrooke and Callum Wright, allowing a further four players to experience friendly action at the end of a busy week for the Club's stars. On the volley, Vardy flicked the ball towards goal, only for Jacker to cling onto the attempt on 112 minutes, while with three minutes remaining, Milan Taildeman struck from distance but found the body of Turkey centre-back Çağlar Söyüncü in his way. That brought to an end the 120-minute encounter in Belgium.
The Foxes did well to first recover from a two-goal deficit before they again drew level when Jamie Vardy, off the bench, converted a loose ball in the OH Leuven area.
That's the way it finished at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion, despite Vardy having a late chance to pinch the victory for his side.
LCFC.Com
Leicester target Ibrahim Sangare ready to sign new PSV deal if transfer offer for midfielder doesn’t come soon
LEICESTER target Ibrahim Sangare is ready to sign a new deal with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven if an offer does not come in soon.
Midfield powerhouse Sangare, 24, has been wanted by Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers after impressing against his side in the Europa Conference League.
1
Ibrahim Sangare is ready to sign a new PSV contract if a Leicester transfer offer does not come soonCredit: GettyHowever, Leicester have not yet found a buyer for Youri Tielemans and so cannot join the bidding at the required £30million.
They will sell centre-half Jan Vestergaard and even striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
Sangare's current deal expires in 2025.
Reports last month claimed Manchester United and Chelsea are also both keen on Sangare.
Elsewhere Liverpool and Newcastle have both been linked.
The Ivorian registered four goals and provided four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for PSV last season.
Sangare helped the club lift the Dutch Cup by beating new United manager Erik ten Hag's Ajax in the final.
He also played a key role in PSV's run to the Europa Conference League quarters.
The Sun
LEICESTER target Ibrahim Sangare is ready to sign a new deal with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven if an offer does not come in soon.
Midfield powerhouse Sangare, 24, has been wanted by Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers after impressing against his side in the Europa Conference League.
1
Ibrahim Sangare is ready to sign a new PSV contract if a Leicester transfer offer does not come soonCredit: GettyHowever, Leicester have not yet found a buyer for Youri Tielemans and so cannot join the bidding at the required £30million.
They will sell centre-half Jan Vestergaard and even striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
Sangare's current deal expires in 2025.
Reports last month claimed Manchester United and Chelsea are also both keen on Sangare.
Elsewhere Liverpool and Newcastle have both been linked.
The Ivorian registered four goals and provided four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for PSV last season.
Sangare helped the club lift the Dutch Cup by beating new United manager Erik ten Hag's Ajax in the final.
He also played a key role in PSV's run to the Europa Conference League quarters.
The Sun
AC Milan 'believe' Leicester City are about to be dealt transfer hammer blow
AC Milan 'believe' they have beaten City and Leeds United to the signing of Club Brugge striker Charles De Ketelaere
AC Milan 'believe' they will beat Leicester City and Leeds United to the signing of Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere.
City have been linked with the 21-year-old since the January transfer window with speculation continuing into the summer months. While it looked for a while that he was the most likely of City's targets to join, the situation has quickly changed and that seems to be no longer the case.
Italian giants AC Milan, who caused an upset by winning Serie A last season against the odds, are now on the verge of signing the player so highly rated by many. De Ketelaere caught the attention of clubs across Europe with his performances for Club Brugge last season, scoring 18 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Journalist Ekrem Konur is now reporting that AC Milan 'believe' they have the edge over Leicester and Leeds United, who were also interested in signing the striker. Much of the talk in recent weeks surrounded the two Premier League sides, with AC Milan seemingly stepping up their interest to become the frontrunners.
This blow for Leicester means the wait for the first signing of the summer goes on. City and Chelsea are now the only two Premier League sides not to make a senior signing. That has been much to the frustration of fans, who were excited by Brendan Rodgers' talk of need for a 'healthy shake-up' of the squad this summer.
Leicestershire Live
AC Milan 'believe' they have beaten City and Leeds United to the signing of Club Brugge striker Charles De Ketelaere
AC Milan 'believe' they will beat Leicester City and Leeds United to the signing of Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere.
City have been linked with the 21-year-old since the January transfer window with speculation continuing into the summer months. While it looked for a while that he was the most likely of City's targets to join, the situation has quickly changed and that seems to be no longer the case.
Italian giants AC Milan, who caused an upset by winning Serie A last season against the odds, are now on the verge of signing the player so highly rated by many. De Ketelaere caught the attention of clubs across Europe with his performances for Club Brugge last season, scoring 18 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Journalist Ekrem Konur is now reporting that AC Milan 'believe' they have the edge over Leicester and Leeds United, who were also interested in signing the striker. Much of the talk in recent weeks surrounded the two Premier League sides, with AC Milan seemingly stepping up their interest to become the frontrunners.
This blow for Leicester means the wait for the first signing of the summer goes on. City and Chelsea are now the only two Premier League sides not to make a senior signing. That has been much to the frustration of fans, who were excited by Brendan Rodgers' talk of need for a 'healthy shake-up' of the squad this summer.
Leicestershire Live
Brendan Rodgers explains why Kasper Schmeichel will miss Leicester City's pre-season Evian trip
The captain is one of a number of City players yet to return to training, and he will not be among the group that goes away to France for a camp next week either
Kasper Schmeichel will not travel with the rest of the Leicester City squad to their pre-season camp at Evian with the captain afforded a longer break.
Schmeichel will be absent next week when Brendan Rodgers takes his team to the French town on the banks of Lake Geneva for a training trip. It is their second visit to Evian since Rodgers took charge, the club also spending a week there in 2019.
But while the rest of the squad will be present, Rodgers has said Schmeichel will not be linking up with his team-mates until afterwards. He is set for a busy season, with the goalkeeper due to be number one for Denmark at the World Cup in November and December.
“There’s a number of them who will join us next week,” Rodgers told LCFC TV after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Notts County in their pre-season opener on Saturday. "It’s been very broken, this first couple of weeks. A lot of the guys have just come in, the first-team squad, over the past four or five days.
“Another group of them will join us in Evian. Kasper will be the last one back in, I’ve given him some extra time. He’s going to the World Cup so he’s going to have a long period of games once he does come back, so he’s got that extra little bit of time. We’re looking forward to Evian.”
Schmeichel is one of plenty of City players who had international commitments in early June. Many of those players have now returned to training, including Patson Daka, Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, James Justin, Luke Thomas, Papy Mendy, and Caglar Soyuncu. Those who have not yet been seen at Seagrave are Danny Ward, Daniel Amartey, Jannik Vestergaard, Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans, and Dennis Praet.
Among that group, Schmeichel is far from the only player set to be at the World Cup in Qatar. Castagne and Tielemans are starters for Belgium, while Mendy has become a key player for Senegal, likewise Amartey with Ghana.
As such, Schmeichel’s absence is likely to prompt further questions over his future. City have scoured the goalkeeper market to check for potential signings, with Robert Sanchez of Brighton one of the players linked.
Schmeichel has one year remaining on his City contract, with the upcoming campaign his 12th at the club. He has been permanent captain since last summer, when Wes Morgan retired.
Leicestershire Live
The captain is one of a number of City players yet to return to training, and he will not be among the group that goes away to France for a camp next week either
Kasper Schmeichel will not travel with the rest of the Leicester City squad to their pre-season camp at Evian with the captain afforded a longer break.
Schmeichel will be absent next week when Brendan Rodgers takes his team to the French town on the banks of Lake Geneva for a training trip. It is their second visit to Evian since Rodgers took charge, the club also spending a week there in 2019.
But while the rest of the squad will be present, Rodgers has said Schmeichel will not be linking up with his team-mates until afterwards. He is set for a busy season, with the goalkeeper due to be number one for Denmark at the World Cup in November and December.
“There’s a number of them who will join us next week,” Rodgers told LCFC TV after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Notts County in their pre-season opener on Saturday. "It’s been very broken, this first couple of weeks. A lot of the guys have just come in, the first-team squad, over the past four or five days.
“Another group of them will join us in Evian. Kasper will be the last one back in, I’ve given him some extra time. He’s going to the World Cup so he’s going to have a long period of games once he does come back, so he’s got that extra little bit of time. We’re looking forward to Evian.”
Schmeichel is one of plenty of City players who had international commitments in early June. Many of those players have now returned to training, including Patson Daka, Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, James Justin, Luke Thomas, Papy Mendy, and Caglar Soyuncu. Those who have not yet been seen at Seagrave are Danny Ward, Daniel Amartey, Jannik Vestergaard, Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans, and Dennis Praet.
Among that group, Schmeichel is far from the only player set to be at the World Cup in Qatar. Castagne and Tielemans are starters for Belgium, while Mendy has become a key player for Senegal, likewise Amartey with Ghana.
As such, Schmeichel’s absence is likely to prompt further questions over his future. City have scoured the goalkeeper market to check for potential signings, with Robert Sanchez of Brighton one of the players linked.
Schmeichel has one year remaining on his City contract, with the upcoming campaign his 12th at the club. He has been permanent captain since last summer, when Wes Morgan retired.
Leicestershire Live
Leicester City 1-2 Notts County
Leicester suffered an embarrassing start to their pre-season campaign as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against non-league Notts County, despite scoring first.
Defenders Wesley Fofana and Ricardo Pereira both started in defence, but last season's set-piece woes reared their head once again as Brendan Rogers watched his side struggle to defend.
Harvey Barnes calmly opened the scoring after being played through for a one-on-one with the County goalkeeper.
Harvey Barnes opened the scoring after being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper
But their lead lasted just over 10 minutes as Kairo Mitchell reacted quickest inside the box to pounce on a loose ball and score from a corner.
County scored from another set-piece situation to take the lead late in the game with Brendan Rogers' side unable to respond as they limped to a disappointing defeat behind closed doors.
Daily Mail
Leicester suffered an embarrassing start to their pre-season campaign as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against non-league Notts County, despite scoring first.
Defenders Wesley Fofana and Ricardo Pereira both started in defence, but last season's set-piece woes reared their head once again as Brendan Rogers watched his side struggle to defend.
Harvey Barnes calmly opened the scoring after being played through for a one-on-one with the County goalkeeper.
Harvey Barnes opened the scoring after being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper
But their lead lasted just over 10 minutes as Kairo Mitchell reacted quickest inside the box to pounce on a loose ball and score from a corner.
County scored from another set-piece situation to take the lead late in the game with Brendan Rogers' side unable to respond as they limped to a disappointing defeat behind closed doors.
Daily Mail
Leicester City Women bring in two new faces
LCFC Women have secured the permanent signing of former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Aileen Whelan, subject to approval following on from the signing of Wales international midfielder Josie Green.
Boasting extensive Barclays Women's Super League experience, the attacker – who can operate in midfield or as a forward - makes the move to Belvoir Drive following five successful years with the Seagulls, having joined the club from Everton in 2017.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Whelan said: "Hopefully I can bring some experience in and help the team get some results. My aim is to get on the scoresheet as much as possible and help LCFC Women finish higher up the table. "I know a few of the girls already from playing with them in other teams. It's nice knowing that when I come in for pre-season with the team, I have relationships with some of them already."
Whelan was a prominent member of the Brighton squad that won promotion to the WSL in 2018 - the division where the club has remained since and her versatility has seen her play in many positions across midfield and the front line.
The 30-year-old’s previous experience includes spells at MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Everton – who she signed for in 2017 ahead of her move to Brighton – as well as with England Under-23s.
29-year-old Green joins the Foxes with a wealth of experience having been a regular in the Barclays Women’s Super League for Spurs since their promotion as quadruple winners in the 2016/2017 season. Green was made captain of the side in the summer of 2020 and made a total of 15 appearances for Spurs last season – scoring once and helping the team to a fifth-place finish in the WSL.
Prior to joining the North London outfit, Green progressed through the youth ranks of Watford, making her senior debut for the Hornets during the 2010/11 FA Women's National League season. At international level, Green represents Wales. Her senior debut came at the age of just 16 as a substitute against Azerbaijan in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers and she remains a regular in the senior side.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Green said: "It’s really exciting to meet the girls and join the team. It’s a really exciting club to be a part of, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready for a new challenge."
Both players has now joined pre-season training at Belvoir Drive, linking up with their new team-mates for the first time this week.
LCFC.COM
LCFC Women have secured the permanent signing of former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Aileen Whelan, subject to approval following on from the signing of Wales international midfielder Josie Green.
Boasting extensive Barclays Women's Super League experience, the attacker – who can operate in midfield or as a forward - makes the move to Belvoir Drive following five successful years with the Seagulls, having joined the club from Everton in 2017.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Whelan said: "Hopefully I can bring some experience in and help the team get some results. My aim is to get on the scoresheet as much as possible and help LCFC Women finish higher up the table. "I know a few of the girls already from playing with them in other teams. It's nice knowing that when I come in for pre-season with the team, I have relationships with some of them already."
Whelan was a prominent member of the Brighton squad that won promotion to the WSL in 2018 - the division where the club has remained since and her versatility has seen her play in many positions across midfield and the front line.
The 30-year-old’s previous experience includes spells at MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Everton – who she signed for in 2017 ahead of her move to Brighton – as well as with England Under-23s.
29-year-old Green joins the Foxes with a wealth of experience having been a regular in the Barclays Women’s Super League for Spurs since their promotion as quadruple winners in the 2016/2017 season. Green was made captain of the side in the summer of 2020 and made a total of 15 appearances for Spurs last season – scoring once and helping the team to a fifth-place finish in the WSL.
Prior to joining the North London outfit, Green progressed through the youth ranks of Watford, making her senior debut for the Hornets during the 2010/11 FA Women's National League season. At international level, Green represents Wales. Her senior debut came at the age of just 16 as a substitute against Azerbaijan in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers and she remains a regular in the senior side.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Green said: "It’s really exciting to meet the girls and join the team. It’s a really exciting club to be a part of, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready for a new challenge."
Both players has now joined pre-season training at Belvoir Drive, linking up with their new team-mates for the first time this week.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City bid 8m euros for Rennes' midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud
French football journalist Sara Menai has told BBC Radio Leicester Sport that Leicester City have submitted an 8m euros (£6.8m) offer for Stade Rennes midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud.
The French central midfielder played in both legs of the Europa Conference League last-16 tie against the Foxes in the latter stages of last season, scoring in the second leg at Roazhon Park.
The 28-year-old can play as a typical number eight, but can also operate in the more advanced number 10 position. This would favour Leicester City, as Brendan Rodgers leant more on the 4-3-3 formation towards the end of last season with success.
The figure of 8m euros for a player who reached double figures for both goals and assists last season may seem low, but he is in the final year of his contract at Stade Rennes, and is expected to leave the club this summer.
However, despite the low fee and consequently low risk nature of the transfer, the Foxes are still battling with their squad size ahead of the new Premier League season. It’s imperative that as the “refresh” touted by Brendan Rodgers begins to happen, that the backdoor at King Power Stadium also continues to revolve.
Owynn Palmer-Atkin, BBC Radio Leicester's Foxes reporter
French football journalist Sara Menai has told BBC Radio Leicester Sport that Leicester City have submitted an 8m euros (£6.8m) offer for Stade Rennes midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud.
The French central midfielder played in both legs of the Europa Conference League last-16 tie against the Foxes in the latter stages of last season, scoring in the second leg at Roazhon Park.
The 28-year-old can play as a typical number eight, but can also operate in the more advanced number 10 position. This would favour Leicester City, as Brendan Rodgers leant more on the 4-3-3 formation towards the end of last season with success.
The figure of 8m euros for a player who reached double figures for both goals and assists last season may seem low, but he is in the final year of his contract at Stade Rennes, and is expected to leave the club this summer.
However, despite the low fee and consequently low risk nature of the transfer, the Foxes are still battling with their squad size ahead of the new Premier League season. It’s imperative that as the “refresh” touted by Brendan Rodgers begins to happen, that the backdoor at King Power Stadium also continues to revolve.
Owynn Palmer-Atkin, BBC Radio Leicester's Foxes reporter
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has signed a new bumper long-term contract at Leicester City.
The 23 year old midfielder is rewarded after a brilliant breakthrough season. The deal is until 2027. Ricardo, Fofana and Justin have also signed contract extensions with #lcfc this year.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his admiration for Dewsbury-Hall and his development into a first team regular over the past year. The new deal brings his wages in line with senior members of the #lcfc squad.
Dewsbury-Hall made 44 appearances for Leicester last season, including 35 starts. He scored three goals, against Napoli & Randers in Europe and his first in the Premier League against Palace in April. He joined #lcfc when he was eight and has had loan spells at Blackpool & Luton.
Mr Geoff Peters @talksport
The 23 year old midfielder is rewarded after a brilliant breakthrough season. The deal is until 2027. Ricardo, Fofana and Justin have also signed contract extensions with #lcfc this year.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his admiration for Dewsbury-Hall and his development into a first team regular over the past year. The new deal brings his wages in line with senior members of the #lcfc squad.
Dewsbury-Hall made 44 appearances for Leicester last season, including 35 starts. He scored three goals, against Napoli & Randers in Europe and his first in the Premier League against Palace in April. He joined #lcfc when he was eight and has had loan spells at Blackpool & Luton.
Mr Geoff Peters @talksport
Create Iconic – The 2022/23 Leicester City Home Shirt By adidas
Leicester City today reveals its 2022/23 home shirt by adidas, coming soon to the Foxes Fanstore and LCFC.com/shop.
The 2022/23 launch is accompanied by the Club’s Create Iconic campaign – a season-long celebration of great Leicester City moments that fixed shirts of past eras into the Club’s history and embedded them into the memory of every Foxes fan.
Every shirt invokes a memory of a player, a goal, a moment. In 2022/23, our men’s and women’s teams will be looking to add to those memories, creating moments that will define this shirt’s place in Foxes folklore for years to come.
Combining features such as the prominent white collar and neck trim – synonymous with the Jimmy Bloomfield sides of the 1970s – and the popular ‘dynamic fox’ made famous by the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Smith in the 1980s, the 2022/23 home shirt carries iconic elements of shirts of past eras.
Shot on location at King Power Stadium featuring players from our Men’s, Women’s and senior Academy teams, the shirt features adidas AEROREADY technology, containing a minimum of 60% recycled content. The shirt will be priced £63 for adults and £45 for juniors.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City today reveals its 2022/23 home shirt by adidas, coming soon to the Foxes Fanstore and LCFC.com/shop.
The 2022/23 launch is accompanied by the Club’s Create Iconic campaign – a season-long celebration of great Leicester City moments that fixed shirts of past eras into the Club’s history and embedded them into the memory of every Foxes fan.
Every shirt invokes a memory of a player, a goal, a moment. In 2022/23, our men’s and women’s teams will be looking to add to those memories, creating moments that will define this shirt’s place in Foxes folklore for years to come.
Combining features such as the prominent white collar and neck trim – synonymous with the Jimmy Bloomfield sides of the 1970s – and the popular ‘dynamic fox’ made famous by the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Smith in the 1980s, the 2022/23 home shirt carries iconic elements of shirts of past eras.
Shot on location at King Power Stadium featuring players from our Men’s, Women’s and senior Academy teams, the shirt features adidas AEROREADY technology, containing a minimum of 60% recycled content. The shirt will be priced £63 for adults and £45 for juniors.
LCFC.COM
Arsenal interest in Youri Tielemans cools to make one-year Leicester extension more likely
Arsenal have long been admirers of Youri Tielemans, who has one year left on his Leicester deal; However, that interest has waned having agreed a £34m deal for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira; Tielemans staying at Leicester remains on the table
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Youri Tielemans making it more likely the Belgium midfielder will sign a one-year contract extension at Leicester.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Tielemans, who has just one year left on his existing Leicester deal, but with the Gunners having agreed a £34m deal for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira on Friday, that interest has waned.
It is thought Arsenal will only sign one central midfielder in this window, and their preference is Vieira.
Leicester do not want to lose Tielemans for free next summer and have always had the confidence that, if no deal suited both the club and the midfielder, then he would commit to another year at the King Power Stadium.
Sky Sports News has been told that the communication and understanding between Leicester and Tielemans has remained constant and cordial, with a great deal of mutual respect.
There is still a long way to go in the summer window, but Tielemans staying at Leicester remains on the table.
SkySports
Arsenal have long been admirers of Youri Tielemans, who has one year left on his Leicester deal; However, that interest has waned having agreed a £34m deal for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira; Tielemans staying at Leicester remains on the table
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Youri Tielemans making it more likely the Belgium midfielder will sign a one-year contract extension at Leicester.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Tielemans, who has just one year left on his existing Leicester deal, but with the Gunners having agreed a £34m deal for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira on Friday, that interest has waned.
It is thought Arsenal will only sign one central midfielder in this window, and their preference is Vieira.
Leicester do not want to lose Tielemans for free next summer and have always had the confidence that, if no deal suited both the club and the midfielder, then he would commit to another year at the King Power Stadium.
Sky Sports News has been told that the communication and understanding between Leicester and Tielemans has remained constant and cordial, with a great deal of mutual respect.
There is still a long way to go in the summer window, but Tielemans staying at Leicester remains on the table.
SkySports
Leicester City start the 2022/23 Premier League season at the King Power Stadium against Brentford on August 6.
Brendan Rodgers' side then travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal on August 13 before hosting Southampton on August 20.
Leicester host East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on October 1 and their final game before the season pauses for the winter World Cup will be at the London Stadium against West Ham on November 12. They will then return to action on Boxing Day at home to Newcastle.
They face a trip to Liverpool on New Year's Eve and make the journey to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on January 14. Leicester finish the season at home to West Ham on May 28. All fixtures subject to change.
Key dates for the 2022/23 season
The Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 6/7 - one week earlier than the 2021/22 campaign started.
However, the Premier League will take a break in the middle of the season to accommodate the first ever winter World Cup. The league's final round before the break will be on the weekend of November 12/13 before resuming on Boxing Day with the World Cup final taking place on December 18.
The Premier League's final day will be Sunday May 28.
Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup final will be held on Sunday February 26 and the FA Cup final on Saturday June 3.
The Europa League final will be played on May 31 in Budapest, the Europa Conference League final will be on June 7 in Prague and the Champions League final is scheduled for June 10 in Istanbul.
Brendan Rodgers' side then travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal on August 13 before hosting Southampton on August 20.
Leicester host East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on October 1 and their final game before the season pauses for the winter World Cup will be at the London Stadium against West Ham on November 12. They will then return to action on Boxing Day at home to Newcastle.
They face a trip to Liverpool on New Year's Eve and make the journey to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on January 14. Leicester finish the season at home to West Ham on May 28. All fixtures subject to change.
Key dates for the 2022/23 season
The Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 6/7 - one week earlier than the 2021/22 campaign started.
However, the Premier League will take a break in the middle of the season to accommodate the first ever winter World Cup. The league's final round before the break will be on the weekend of November 12/13 before resuming on Boxing Day with the World Cup final taking place on December 18.
The Premier League's final day will be Sunday May 28.
Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup final will be held on Sunday February 26 and the FA Cup final on Saturday June 3.
The Europa League final will be played on May 31 in Budapest, the Europa Conference League final will be on June 7 in Prague and the Champions League final is scheduled for June 10 in Istanbul.
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August
6: Brentford (h) 13: Arsenal (a) 20: Southampton (h) 27: Chelsea (a) 30: Man Utd (h) |
September
3: Brighton (a) 10: Aston Villa (h) 17: Tottenham (a) |
October
1: Nottingham Forest (h) 8: Bournemouth (a) 15: Crystal Palace (h) 18: Leeds United n(h) 22: Wolves (a) 29: Man City (h) |
November
5: Everton (a) 12: West Ham (a) |
December
26: Newcastle (h) 31: Liverpool (a) |
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January
2: Fulham (h) 14: Nottingham Forest (a) 21: Brighton (h) |
February
4: Aston Villa (a) 11: Tottenham (h) 18: Man Utd (a) 25: Arsenal (h) |
March
4: Southampton (a) 11: Chelsea (h) 18: Brentford (a) |
April
1: Crystal Palace (a) 8: Bournemouth (h) 15: Man City (a) 22: Wolves (h) 25: Leeds (a) 29: Everton (h) |
May
6: Fulham (a) 13: Liverpool (h) 20: Newcastle (a) 28: West Ham (h) |
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