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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS
Brentford 1-3 Leicester City
Foxes come from behind to go through to Round 5 of the FA Cup
Premier League high-flyers Leicester City had to come from behind to avoid an FA Cup upset at Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford.
The hosts took an early lead when Mads Bech Sorenson poked in and had the better chances during a first half when a much-changed Leicester side struggled for fluency.
But the Foxes were transformed after the break, equalising 49 seconds after the restart as James Maddison fed Cengiz Under for a sweeping finish.
Five minutes later, Youri Tielemans was tripped in the box and converted the resulting penalty, while Maddison deservedly got on the scoresheet by following in a rebound.
Just as they did when these two sides met at this stage last season, Leicester advance to the fifth round and they will face Brighton next.
Brentford are yet to win against the Foxes in seven attempts in the FA Cup, and have not beaten them in any competition since 1953.
But they still played their part in an entertaining cup tie and showed how they were able to beat four Premier League sides on their run to this season's Carabao Cup semi-finals.
This was fourth in the Championship versus third in the top flight, albeit the two sides contained a combined 15 changes from their league matches in midweek.
The visitors made a swift start, Under causing problems down the right, only for Brentford to go ahead in the sixth minute.
Daniel Amartey needlessly conceded a corner and, when a deflection wrongfooted stand-in Foxes keeper Danny Ward, Sorensen was able to stretch and stab home.
In response, Leicester had plenty of the ball, but Brentford created better chances. Tariqe Fosu and Saman Ghoddos both forced Ward into smart saves.
Behind at the break, Leicester exploded into the second half. Almost straight from the kick-off, Maddison beat two men, then cleverly found Under, who came in from the right to finish inside the far post.
Even before the penalty, Ayoze Perez had two clear chances, only for the pressure to tell when Fosu tripped Tielemans.
From that point, Leicester's control was only interrupted when a long throw from Sorensen caused problems in the penalty area just before the excellent Maddison punished Luke Daniels' inability to hold Harvey Barnes' shot.
BBC Sport
Foxes come from behind to go through to Round 5 of the FA Cup
Premier League high-flyers Leicester City had to come from behind to avoid an FA Cup upset at Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford.
The hosts took an early lead when Mads Bech Sorenson poked in and had the better chances during a first half when a much-changed Leicester side struggled for fluency.
But the Foxes were transformed after the break, equalising 49 seconds after the restart as James Maddison fed Cengiz Under for a sweeping finish.
Five minutes later, Youri Tielemans was tripped in the box and converted the resulting penalty, while Maddison deservedly got on the scoresheet by following in a rebound.
Just as they did when these two sides met at this stage last season, Leicester advance to the fifth round and they will face Brighton next.
Brentford are yet to win against the Foxes in seven attempts in the FA Cup, and have not beaten them in any competition since 1953.
But they still played their part in an entertaining cup tie and showed how they were able to beat four Premier League sides on their run to this season's Carabao Cup semi-finals.
This was fourth in the Championship versus third in the top flight, albeit the two sides contained a combined 15 changes from their league matches in midweek.
The visitors made a swift start, Under causing problems down the right, only for Brentford to go ahead in the sixth minute.
Daniel Amartey needlessly conceded a corner and, when a deflection wrongfooted stand-in Foxes keeper Danny Ward, Sorensen was able to stretch and stab home.
In response, Leicester had plenty of the ball, but Brentford created better chances. Tariqe Fosu and Saman Ghoddos both forced Ward into smart saves.
Behind at the break, Leicester exploded into the second half. Almost straight from the kick-off, Maddison beat two men, then cleverly found Under, who came in from the right to finish inside the far post.
Even before the penalty, Ayoze Perez had two clear chances, only for the pressure to tell when Fosu tripped Tielemans.
From that point, Leicester's control was only interrupted when a long throw from Sorensen caused problems in the penalty area just before the excellent Maddison punished Luke Daniels' inability to hold Harvey Barnes' shot.
BBC Sport
Odsonne Edouard's Celtic asking price drop as Brendan Rodgers plots potential Leicester City reunion
Edouard only has 18 months left on his Celtic deal and Leicester need a striker after Vardy operation
Celtic’s asking price for Odsonne Edouard may be up to £10million less than they could have asked for last season.
The French striker is in the final 18 months of his contract and his form hasn’t hit the heights it has during previous years.
He has been linked with AC Milan, Juventus, Aston Villa and Brendan Rodgers ' Leicester City, who could launch a bid to reunite the front man with his previous boss.
A move could even be made this month with Jamie Vardy out for a few weeks due to a hernia operation and The Foxes very much in the title hunt.
Another option to cover Vardy’s absence could be the difference between them replicating their miracle 2015/16 season or not.
It’s unlikely that Edouard will sign a new Celtic contract at this stage, and the time could come for Neil Lennon - or whoever is in charge - to cash in this summer as they look to rebuild from what as been a damaging Scottish Premiership campaign. Up to £30million had been floated as a price tag that Celtic would put on Edouard’s head.
But with just a year left on his deal come the summer and his relative slump in goal scoring this term (Edouard has still managed 11 goals this season), Talksport transfer expert Alex Crook believes they’ll have to accept a slightly lesser fee in the circumstances.
He said: “One name that keeps coming up in conversations with people close to Leicester is Odsonne Edouard at Celtic.
“He’s in the last 18 months of his contract, is reluctant to sign a new deal and could be available for £20m.“That looks a shrewd bit of business for me, and they do need back-up and even a long-term successor to Jamie Vardy, so watch that one between now and the end of the window.”
glasgowlive.co.uk
Edouard only has 18 months left on his Celtic deal and Leicester need a striker after Vardy operation
Celtic’s asking price for Odsonne Edouard may be up to £10million less than they could have asked for last season.
The French striker is in the final 18 months of his contract and his form hasn’t hit the heights it has during previous years.
He has been linked with AC Milan, Juventus, Aston Villa and Brendan Rodgers ' Leicester City, who could launch a bid to reunite the front man with his previous boss.
A move could even be made this month with Jamie Vardy out for a few weeks due to a hernia operation and The Foxes very much in the title hunt.
Another option to cover Vardy’s absence could be the difference between them replicating their miracle 2015/16 season or not.
It’s unlikely that Edouard will sign a new Celtic contract at this stage, and the time could come for Neil Lennon - or whoever is in charge - to cash in this summer as they look to rebuild from what as been a damaging Scottish Premiership campaign. Up to £30million had been floated as a price tag that Celtic would put on Edouard’s head.
But with just a year left on his deal come the summer and his relative slump in goal scoring this term (Edouard has still managed 11 goals this season), Talksport transfer expert Alex Crook believes they’ll have to accept a slightly lesser fee in the circumstances.
He said: “One name that keeps coming up in conversations with people close to Leicester is Odsonne Edouard at Celtic.
“He’s in the last 18 months of his contract, is reluctant to sign a new deal and could be available for £20m.“That looks a shrewd bit of business for me, and they do need back-up and even a long-term successor to Jamie Vardy, so watch that one between now and the end of the window.”
glasgowlive.co.uk
Jamie Vardy: Leicester City striker out for 'a few weeks'
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy set to be sidelined for several weeks and will undergo surgery on his persistent hip problem, boss Brendan Rodgers confirms; "Vardy can't hold it off for much longer, there's a lot of time in the season for him to make an impact"
Jamie Vardy will have surgery on his persistent hip problem and will be out for "a few weeks", says Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
The 34-year-old has scored 11 goals for the Foxes in the Premier League this season but he will now be forced to be sidelined for a number of games after undergoing a minor hernia operation."Jamie Vardy will be out for a few weeks," Rodgers said. "As you know, we've been managing him over this last number of months, and he's been absolutely fantastic.
"We have a window now that allows him to have a minor operation on his hernia and then he'll be back within a few weeks. He'll be out for that period."It's one that doesn't keep him out for too long, but it's just a repair in and round that hernia area. It's one we feel he can't really put it off much longer.
"We were hoping to do it a few weeks back, but this is a window where we can get it done and that will obviously leave him with a good part of the season where he can be really influential for us."
Vardy has started 15 out of 18 Premier League games this season, taking part in all fixtures but the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in October due to a calf injury.
Leicester's next Premier League opponents include Everton, Leeds, Fulham, Wolves, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while they will take on Slavia Prague in the Europa League round of 32 in February.The Foxes sit third in the Premier League table, tied on points with Manchester City and two points behind Manchester United, and travel to Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Sky Sports
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy set to be sidelined for several weeks and will undergo surgery on his persistent hip problem, boss Brendan Rodgers confirms; "Vardy can't hold it off for much longer, there's a lot of time in the season for him to make an impact"
Jamie Vardy will have surgery on his persistent hip problem and will be out for "a few weeks", says Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
The 34-year-old has scored 11 goals for the Foxes in the Premier League this season but he will now be forced to be sidelined for a number of games after undergoing a minor hernia operation."Jamie Vardy will be out for a few weeks," Rodgers said. "As you know, we've been managing him over this last number of months, and he's been absolutely fantastic.
"We have a window now that allows him to have a minor operation on his hernia and then he'll be back within a few weeks. He'll be out for that period."It's one that doesn't keep him out for too long, but it's just a repair in and round that hernia area. It's one we feel he can't really put it off much longer.
"We were hoping to do it a few weeks back, but this is a window where we can get it done and that will obviously leave him with a good part of the season where he can be really influential for us."
Vardy has started 15 out of 18 Premier League games this season, taking part in all fixtures but the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in October due to a calf injury.
Leicester's next Premier League opponents include Everton, Leeds, Fulham, Wolves, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while they will take on Slavia Prague in the Europa League round of 32 in February.The Foxes sit third in the Premier League table, tied on points with Manchester City and two points behind Manchester United, and travel to Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Sky Sports
Leicester City 2-0 Chelsea
Leicester go top after victory over Chelsea
Leicester City moved to the top of the Premier League table and increased the pressure on struggling Chelsea manager Frank Lampard with an impressive victory at The King Power Stadium.
The Foxes knew a win would see them overhaul Manchester United and they were on their way after only six minutes when Wilfred Ndidi fired in off the inside of the post from 20 yards.
Chelsea rarely threatened, although they were denied a first-half penalty by VAR when Christian Pulisic went down under a challenge from Jonny Evans, only for the technology to confirm the offence took place just outside the area.Lampard's misery was swiftly reinforced as Leicester City broke clear to add a second four minutes before the break, James Maddison sweeping a cool finish past Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy on the half-volley from Marc Albrighton's pass.
Chelsea barely raised a gallop after the break and it was Leicester who created the better openings as James Justin headed wide when unmarked and Mendy saved from Youri Tielemans.
Leicester are now a point ahead of Manchester United having played a game more while Chelsea are in eighth, five points off the Champions League places.
Make no mistake - Chelsea manager Lampard is under increasing pressure after another dreadful performance on a night they could have used to show signs of recovery against an in-form side.
Instead, this was a wretched affair lacking any spark and urgency, and more significantly desire, with Leicester closing out the win with barely a moment of anxiety all night.
Chelsea were sloppy in midfield, toothless in attack and soft in defence, falling asleep at a free-kick and a corner for Leicester's first from Ndidi then being undone by a routine angled pass from Albrighton.
The body language was resigned, with not the hint of a second-half revival, while there will also be renewed scrutiny on Lampard's transfer policy.
Timo Werner, for all the consoling words heaped upon the £47.5m signing by Lampard, only started on the bench while £71m summer capture Kai Havertz was a non-existent presence on the pitch - it was no surprise when he was replaced in the second half.
Lampard will be well aware of the reality of his situation. He will know his background as a Chelsea great will not spare him from judgement by owner Roman Abramovich.
He must hope the fact that Chelsea are not yet adrift of the Champions League places will give him more time but given a summer expenditure of more than £200m, performances as poor as this will turn up the heat on the manager.
BBC
Leicester go top after victory over Chelsea
Leicester City moved to the top of the Premier League table and increased the pressure on struggling Chelsea manager Frank Lampard with an impressive victory at The King Power Stadium.
The Foxes knew a win would see them overhaul Manchester United and they were on their way after only six minutes when Wilfred Ndidi fired in off the inside of the post from 20 yards.
Chelsea rarely threatened, although they were denied a first-half penalty by VAR when Christian Pulisic went down under a challenge from Jonny Evans, only for the technology to confirm the offence took place just outside the area.Lampard's misery was swiftly reinforced as Leicester City broke clear to add a second four minutes before the break, James Maddison sweeping a cool finish past Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy on the half-volley from Marc Albrighton's pass.
Chelsea barely raised a gallop after the break and it was Leicester who created the better openings as James Justin headed wide when unmarked and Mendy saved from Youri Tielemans.
Leicester are now a point ahead of Manchester United having played a game more while Chelsea are in eighth, five points off the Champions League places.
Make no mistake - Chelsea manager Lampard is under increasing pressure after another dreadful performance on a night they could have used to show signs of recovery against an in-form side.
Instead, this was a wretched affair lacking any spark and urgency, and more significantly desire, with Leicester closing out the win with barely a moment of anxiety all night.
Chelsea were sloppy in midfield, toothless in attack and soft in defence, falling asleep at a free-kick and a corner for Leicester's first from Ndidi then being undone by a routine angled pass from Albrighton.
The body language was resigned, with not the hint of a second-half revival, while there will also be renewed scrutiny on Lampard's transfer policy.
Timo Werner, for all the consoling words heaped upon the £47.5m signing by Lampard, only started on the bench while £71m summer capture Kai Havertz was a non-existent presence on the pitch - it was no surprise when he was replaced in the second half.
Lampard will be well aware of the reality of his situation. He will know his background as a Chelsea great will not spare him from judgement by owner Roman Abramovich.
He must hope the fact that Chelsea are not yet adrift of the Champions League places will give him more time but given a summer expenditure of more than £200m, performances as poor as this will turn up the heat on the manager.
BBC
Leicester 2-0 Southampton:
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes fire Foxes up to second with win over Saints
Goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes helped Leicester up to second in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Southampton at the King Power Stadium.
Maddison's seventh goal of the season gave the Foxes a half-time lead (37) as he spun away from Jack Stephens to collect Youri Tielemans' pass before firing high into the net beyond Alex McCarthy.
Stuart Armstrong came closest to rescuing a point for Southampton after his long-range shot struck the crossbar. Jamie Vardy missed a glorious chance to put the contest to bed when his close-range shot was saved by McCarthy before he was forced to hobble off late on.
Barnes sealed only Leicester's fourth home win of the season in the fifth minute of stoppage time as he collected another Tielemans pass before confidently stroking his shot beyond McCarthy.
The result moves Leicester above Manchester City and Liverpool, who face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Southampton stay in eighth on 29 points after 18 games.
These two sides last met in the East Midlands last January, when Southampton emerged victorious thanks to goals from Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings - and the visitors made life uncomfortable from the outset against Leicester, with Theo Walcott and Che Adams proving a handful.
Leicester, who had lost four of their previous eight home league fixtures, threatened sporadically as Marc Albrighton's pass was dummied by Vardy for Barnes to shoot first time, but McCarthy saved with two strong hands.
Sky Sports
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes fire Foxes up to second with win over Saints
Goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes helped Leicester up to second in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Southampton at the King Power Stadium.
Maddison's seventh goal of the season gave the Foxes a half-time lead (37) as he spun away from Jack Stephens to collect Youri Tielemans' pass before firing high into the net beyond Alex McCarthy.
Stuart Armstrong came closest to rescuing a point for Southampton after his long-range shot struck the crossbar. Jamie Vardy missed a glorious chance to put the contest to bed when his close-range shot was saved by McCarthy before he was forced to hobble off late on.
Barnes sealed only Leicester's fourth home win of the season in the fifth minute of stoppage time as he collected another Tielemans pass before confidently stroking his shot beyond McCarthy.
The result moves Leicester above Manchester City and Liverpool, who face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Southampton stay in eighth on 29 points after 18 games.
These two sides last met in the East Midlands last January, when Southampton emerged victorious thanks to goals from Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings - and the visitors made life uncomfortable from the outset against Leicester, with Theo Walcott and Che Adams proving a handful.
Leicester, who had lost four of their previous eight home league fixtures, threatened sporadically as Marc Albrighton's pass was dummied by Vardy for Barnes to shoot first time, but McCarthy saved with two strong hands.
Sky Sports
Leicester City Send Offer To Arsenal Target With Expiring Contract
Leicester City are one of the clubs to have made an offer to Arsenal target Otavio, who is set to leave FC Porto in the summer on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old midfielder has his contract with Porto running out in the summer and is said to have decided against extending his deal with the club.Many clubs, including Premier League giants Arsenal, have been put on alert after Otavio rejected the chance to sign a new deal with the Portuguese outfit.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Leicester are one of the clubs interested in acquiring the services of the midfielder.Apart from the Foxes, Italian Serie A clubs Roma, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan are also keen on signing the Brazilian, whose time at Porto is nearing an end.
Leicester, Roma, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan are claimed to have made offers to Otavio.However, Roma are leading the race to snap him up, while AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has talked to the player over the phone.
With a host of clubs interested in signing Otavio, it remains to be seen if Leicester can convince the midfielder to move to the King Power Stadium.
Insidefutbol.com
Leicester City are one of the clubs to have made an offer to Arsenal target Otavio, who is set to leave FC Porto in the summer on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old midfielder has his contract with Porto running out in the summer and is said to have decided against extending his deal with the club.Many clubs, including Premier League giants Arsenal, have been put on alert after Otavio rejected the chance to sign a new deal with the Portuguese outfit.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Leicester are one of the clubs interested in acquiring the services of the midfielder.Apart from the Foxes, Italian Serie A clubs Roma, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan are also keen on signing the Brazilian, whose time at Porto is nearing an end.
Leicester, Roma, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan are claimed to have made offers to Otavio.However, Roma are leading the race to snap him up, while AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has talked to the player over the phone.
With a host of clubs interested in signing Otavio, it remains to be seen if Leicester can convince the midfielder to move to the King Power Stadium.
Insidefutbol.com
Islam Slimani Joins Lyon On Permanent Deal | £30m wasted
Leicester City can confirm that striker Islam Slimani has signed a permanent deal with Ligue 1 side Lyon, subject to international clearance.
- Islam Slimani makes permanent switch to the Ligue 1 side
- Algerian international signed for the Foxes in August 2016
- He spent time on loan at AS Monaco last season
The Algerian international, who arrived at LCFC in August 2016 and made 47 appearances for the Foxes, will now join Rudi Garcia’s team on an 18-month deal.
He has enjoyed loan spells with Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and AS Monaco while with the Foxes, netting nine goals for the latter in France’s top-flight in 2019/20.
This season, he has made one appearance for Brendan Rodgers’ side, coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa in October, taking his total to 47 appearances, including 13 goals.
The Football Club would like to wish Islam the very best for his future career.
lcfc.com
Leicester City can confirm that striker Islam Slimani has signed a permanent deal with Ligue 1 side Lyon, subject to international clearance.
- Islam Slimani makes permanent switch to the Ligue 1 side
- Algerian international signed for the Foxes in August 2016
- He spent time on loan at AS Monaco last season
The Algerian international, who arrived at LCFC in August 2016 and made 47 appearances for the Foxes, will now join Rudi Garcia’s team on an 18-month deal.
He has enjoyed loan spells with Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and AS Monaco while with the Foxes, netting nine goals for the latter in France’s top-flight in 2019/20.
This season, he has made one appearance for Brendan Rodgers’ side, coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa in October, taking his total to 47 appearances, including 13 goals.
The Football Club would like to wish Islam the very best for his future career.
lcfc.com
Leicester City take out another bank loan as follow-up to Ben Chilwell's Chelsea transfer fee
The latest loan with Australian bank Macquarie is secured against Premier League payments up to January 2023, and supersedes a loan taken out in August last year
Leicester City have taken out another loan with Australian bank Macquarie.The loan is secured against Premier League payments City will receive up to January 2023, and supersedes a loan they took out last August, which was based around payments City would receive up to January 2022.
City received an estimated £147.4m from the Premier League for the 2019-20 season, with central payments partly based on merit of finishing position and the number of TV games hosted. These payments are received three or four times per season.
A similar finish this season should earn a similar amount, albeit the size of the loan taken out by City is not disclosed in the documents on Companies House, which are dated January 11 this year.
It is the ninth agreement City have entered with Macquarie over the past few years, starting in October 2018 when they took out a loan to receive the Riyad Mahrez transfer fee up front, with Manchester City then paying their instalments straight to the bank. Before the latest agreement, City’s last deal with Macquarie was in October 2020, when they took out a loan in order to receive a £17m instalment of Ben Chilwell’s transfer fee.
Chelsea bought the England left-back for £50m last summer, but did not pay the whole fee up front, with the Blues now required to pay the £17m instalment straight to Macquarie when it is due in August 2021. The most recent financial report shows City took out loans of £54m in the 2018-19 season, and a £45m loan with Macquarie after May 2019.
They also entered into a six-year facility loan worth £91m with the club’s owners King Power in order to complete the build of the new training ground. The club’s financial statement for the 2019-20 season will likely be released in March, and it is expected to include some of the impact felt by the club during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the unlikely event that City are relegated next season, Macquarie will then collect the parachute payments received by the club from the Premier League.
Leicester Mercury
The latest loan with Australian bank Macquarie is secured against Premier League payments up to January 2023, and supersedes a loan taken out in August last year
Leicester City have taken out another loan with Australian bank Macquarie.The loan is secured against Premier League payments City will receive up to January 2023, and supersedes a loan they took out last August, which was based around payments City would receive up to January 2022.
City received an estimated £147.4m from the Premier League for the 2019-20 season, with central payments partly based on merit of finishing position and the number of TV games hosted. These payments are received three or four times per season.
A similar finish this season should earn a similar amount, albeit the size of the loan taken out by City is not disclosed in the documents on Companies House, which are dated January 11 this year.
It is the ninth agreement City have entered with Macquarie over the past few years, starting in October 2018 when they took out a loan to receive the Riyad Mahrez transfer fee up front, with Manchester City then paying their instalments straight to the bank. Before the latest agreement, City’s last deal with Macquarie was in October 2020, when they took out a loan in order to receive a £17m instalment of Ben Chilwell’s transfer fee.
Chelsea bought the England left-back for £50m last summer, but did not pay the whole fee up front, with the Blues now required to pay the £17m instalment straight to Macquarie when it is due in August 2021. The most recent financial report shows City took out loans of £54m in the 2018-19 season, and a £45m loan with Macquarie after May 2019.
They also entered into a six-year facility loan worth £91m with the club’s owners King Power in order to complete the build of the new training ground. The club’s financial statement for the 2019-20 season will likely be released in March, and it is expected to include some of the impact felt by the club during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the unlikely event that City are relegated next season, Macquarie will then collect the parachute payments received by the club from the Premier League.
Leicester Mercury
Brendan Rodgers prepares £30m swoop for Odsonne Edouard
Odsonne Edouard is high on Leicester City’s transfer wish list as Brendan Rodgers eyes a reunion with the French striker he brought to Celtic Park from PSG.
According to The Daily Mail, Rodgers is looking to replace Slimani with Celtic’s 22-year-old talisman. Edouard has just 18 months remaining on his deal with the Scottish Champions and the club could look to cash in while his value is high. It is believed that the asking price still remains at £30m, especially after Filip Benkovic decided against a move to Celtic Park.
Though a hefty price tag, the deal represents little risk as Rodgers knows he can work with the player, has no doubts about his quality and the Frenchman has scored goals in Europe as well as setting new goalscoring records for the French U21 side. As such, he has shown that he is capable of making the step up to the Premier League.
Rodgers brought Edouard to Celtic from PSG after an ill-fated loan spell at Toulouse and was convinced to make the move permanent after the initial loan period, paying a club record £9m for the player. The speculation certainly paid off with accumulation in the sense that Edouard is likely to leave with an astonishing haul of trophies. Indeed, he will depart as a quadruple treble winner.
Edouard is thought to be keen to move after changing his agent in the New Year, moving over to the company that represent other players to have departed Celtic Park, such as Kieran Tierney.
The Celtic fans will be hoping that Edouard can hit the heights of last season, which saw him score 28 goals and provide 12 assists in 45 appearances. This may help the Hoops to win the Scottish Cup and claw back some of the 21 points that they trail Rangers by. However, a move would certainly be in the best interests of the club now with the league as good as gone and time running out on his contract.
AC Milan were recently linked with a £30m move for the French attacker, who joined Celtic permanently from PSG in 2018, but that connection has now gone quiet.
If Leicester want the player, he looks to be theirs if they act swiftly.
Caught Offside
Odsonne Edouard is high on Leicester City’s transfer wish list as Brendan Rodgers eyes a reunion with the French striker he brought to Celtic Park from PSG.
According to The Daily Mail, Rodgers is looking to replace Slimani with Celtic’s 22-year-old talisman. Edouard has just 18 months remaining on his deal with the Scottish Champions and the club could look to cash in while his value is high. It is believed that the asking price still remains at £30m, especially after Filip Benkovic decided against a move to Celtic Park.
Though a hefty price tag, the deal represents little risk as Rodgers knows he can work with the player, has no doubts about his quality and the Frenchman has scored goals in Europe as well as setting new goalscoring records for the French U21 side. As such, he has shown that he is capable of making the step up to the Premier League.
Rodgers brought Edouard to Celtic from PSG after an ill-fated loan spell at Toulouse and was convinced to make the move permanent after the initial loan period, paying a club record £9m for the player. The speculation certainly paid off with accumulation in the sense that Edouard is likely to leave with an astonishing haul of trophies. Indeed, he will depart as a quadruple treble winner.
Edouard is thought to be keen to move after changing his agent in the New Year, moving over to the company that represent other players to have departed Celtic Park, such as Kieran Tierney.
The Celtic fans will be hoping that Edouard can hit the heights of last season, which saw him score 28 goals and provide 12 assists in 45 appearances. This may help the Hoops to win the Scottish Cup and claw back some of the 21 points that they trail Rangers by. However, a move would certainly be in the best interests of the club now with the league as good as gone and time running out on his contract.
AC Milan were recently linked with a £30m move for the French attacker, who joined Celtic permanently from PSG in 2018, but that connection has now gone quiet.
If Leicester want the player, he looks to be theirs if they act swiftly.
Caught Offside
Stoke City 0-4 Leicester City
Leicester reached the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic win at Stoke
Leicester reached the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic win at Stoke.
Even without Jamie Vardy and James Maddison, a strong Foxes side displayed too much quality for the Championship side.
James Justin's superb effort into the top right corner set them on their way before Marc Albrighton, Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes added to their tally.
Stoke's best chance fell to Sam Vokes with the score at 0-0 but he blazed a volley over from close range.
While Michael O'Neill's Stoke side acquitted themselves well and at times troubled the visitors from set-pieces, there was a noticeable gulf between them and a Leicester side occupying third place in the Premier League.
Vokes' miss, coupled with Justin's excellent run and sparkling finish, set the tone for what was to follow.
With Leicester enjoying success down both flanks, Albrighton nipped in off the left to double their lead just before the hour mark.
Perez then steered a right-foot shot into the bottom right corner from Timothy Castagne's pass before Barnes rounded off the scoring with a powerful effort.
One positive for Stoke was the return of Ryan Shawcross to their starting XI.
The Potters captain, who was capped by England in 2012, has spent much of the past 18 months recovering from a broken leg, and calf and groin injuries.
BBC Sport
Leicester reached the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic win at Stoke
Leicester reached the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic win at Stoke.
Even without Jamie Vardy and James Maddison, a strong Foxes side displayed too much quality for the Championship side.
James Justin's superb effort into the top right corner set them on their way before Marc Albrighton, Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes added to their tally.
Stoke's best chance fell to Sam Vokes with the score at 0-0 but he blazed a volley over from close range.
While Michael O'Neill's Stoke side acquitted themselves well and at times troubled the visitors from set-pieces, there was a noticeable gulf between them and a Leicester side occupying third place in the Premier League.
Vokes' miss, coupled with Justin's excellent run and sparkling finish, set the tone for what was to follow.
With Leicester enjoying success down both flanks, Albrighton nipped in off the left to double their lead just before the hour mark.
Perez then steered a right-foot shot into the bottom right corner from Timothy Castagne's pass before Barnes rounded off the scoring with a powerful effort.
One positive for Stoke was the return of Ryan Shawcross to their starting XI.
The Potters captain, who was capped by England in 2012, has spent much of the past 18 months recovering from a broken leg, and calf and groin injuries.
BBC Sport
Two clubs hovering for Leicester City player – Foxes trying to hold off interest
Benfica are eyeing up Leicester City youngster Wanya Marçal Madivádua before he signs a professional contract with the Foxes.
That’s according to O Jogo, who also say that Inter Milan are also keen on the young midfielder.
The Portuguese newspaper report that the 18-year-old, who is the son of Portuguese parents, is ‘in the sights’ of the Liga Nos giants and could ‘strengthen’ their side next season.
They explain that Madivádua has been impressing in Leicester’s youth ranks and already made two appearances for their Under 23 side this season.
That’s apparently led to plenty of interest in him with Benfica keen as well as Inter Milan, who would be the Eagles’ ‘main rivals’ for the youngster.
This interest has also been picked up on in England, with Leicester keen to keep hold of the player and already offering him professional terms, something which he is yet to accept.
That’s given those interested in him, in this case Benfica, hope of getting a deal done, although there’s no mention of a move to secure his signature as yet.
Sports Witness
Benfica are eyeing up Leicester City youngster Wanya Marçal Madivádua before he signs a professional contract with the Foxes.
That’s according to O Jogo, who also say that Inter Milan are also keen on the young midfielder.
The Portuguese newspaper report that the 18-year-old, who is the son of Portuguese parents, is ‘in the sights’ of the Liga Nos giants and could ‘strengthen’ their side next season.
They explain that Madivádua has been impressing in Leicester’s youth ranks and already made two appearances for their Under 23 side this season.
That’s apparently led to plenty of interest in him with Benfica keen as well as Inter Milan, who would be the Eagles’ ‘main rivals’ for the youngster.
This interest has also been picked up on in England, with Leicester keen to keep hold of the player and already offering him professional terms, something which he is yet to accept.
That’s given those interested in him, in this case Benfica, hope of getting a deal done, although there’s no mention of a move to secure his signature as yet.
Sports Witness
“He wants to come to us” – Club go public about wanting to sign Leicester City player
Atletico Madrid look on the verge of signing Moussa Dembélé from Lyon, in what appears a great move for the Spanish club and the former Celtic player.
According to Spanish reports, Atletico will be taking the striker on loan for the rest of the season and will then have a €35m purchase option. They don’t have to use that, and it’s a relatively low cost gamble for Diego Simeone’s side.
For Dembélé, it gives him the chance to try his luck in La Liga, after a difficult season with Lyon. The Ligue 1 side will need a replacement, and for a few days Leicester City’s Islam Slimani has been pushed forward as the likeliest candidate.
Out of the picture under Brendan Rodgers, and with a Leicester contract expiring in June, the assumption is that Slimani can be a low cost option for Lyon.
Now, the French club have gone public on the situation, and after confirming talks with Atletico Madrid for their own striker, sporting director Juninho moved on to talking about the Leicester man.
Le Progres quote him as saying: “It is not easy to find a striker who agrees to come and play for 6 months. At the start of the season, I spoke with Slimani and we reached an agreement. He wants to come to us but there is nothing done yet.”
Sports Witness
Atletico Madrid look on the verge of signing Moussa Dembélé from Lyon, in what appears a great move for the Spanish club and the former Celtic player.
According to Spanish reports, Atletico will be taking the striker on loan for the rest of the season and will then have a €35m purchase option. They don’t have to use that, and it’s a relatively low cost gamble for Diego Simeone’s side.
For Dembélé, it gives him the chance to try his luck in La Liga, after a difficult season with Lyon. The Ligue 1 side will need a replacement, and for a few days Leicester City’s Islam Slimani has been pushed forward as the likeliest candidate.
Out of the picture under Brendan Rodgers, and with a Leicester contract expiring in June, the assumption is that Slimani can be a low cost option for Lyon.
Now, the French club have gone public on the situation, and after confirming talks with Atletico Madrid for their own striker, sporting director Juninho moved on to talking about the Leicester man.
Le Progres quote him as saying: “It is not easy to find a striker who agrees to come and play for 6 months. At the start of the season, I spoke with Slimani and we reached an agreement. He wants to come to us but there is nothing done yet.”
Sports Witness
Leicester defender Filip Benkovic to join Belgian side OH Leuven on loan for the rest of the season as they see off competition from Celtic
Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic is joining Belgian side OH Leuven on a season loan.
The 23-year-old returned from a loan spell with Cardiff City last week and had been discussed as an option by Scottish champions Celtic.
Benkovic previously had a loan spell at Celtic in the 2018-19 season.
However, with Neil Lennon unsure, Leicester have moved to strike an agreement with Leuven for the Croatia international.
Leuven signed former Leicester midfielder Andy King last week and he will play a role helping Benkovic to settle in.
The new deal awarded to Jonny Evans, which will now run until 2023, delivered a further blow Benkovic's hopes of finally making his top-flight bow for Leicester.
Leicester are looking to add another centre-back and a forward while they are looking to offload Demarai Gray and will listen to loan offers for Hamza Choudhury.
West Brom and Newcastle have asked about the 23-year-old Choudhury but Leicester would want a loan fee and assurances that he will play.
Daily Mail
Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic is joining Belgian side OH Leuven on a season loan.
The 23-year-old returned from a loan spell with Cardiff City last week and had been discussed as an option by Scottish champions Celtic.
Benkovic previously had a loan spell at Celtic in the 2018-19 season.
However, with Neil Lennon unsure, Leicester have moved to strike an agreement with Leuven for the Croatia international.
Leuven signed former Leicester midfielder Andy King last week and he will play a role helping Benkovic to settle in.
The new deal awarded to Jonny Evans, which will now run until 2023, delivered a further blow Benkovic's hopes of finally making his top-flight bow for Leicester.
Leicester are looking to add another centre-back and a forward while they are looking to offload Demarai Gray and will listen to loan offers for Hamza Choudhury.
West Brom and Newcastle have asked about the 23-year-old Choudhury but Leicester would want a loan fee and assurances that he will play.
Daily Mail
Newcastle United 1-2 Leicester City
Foxes up to 3rd with another away win.
Fine first-time finishes from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans helped Leicester beat Newcastle and move to within a point of the top of the Premier League.
Maddison fired in Jamie Vardy's pull-back from just inside the penalty area to break Newcastle's resistance before Tielemans curled home from 20 yards after Marc Albrighton's pass.
Andy Carroll's equally impressive volley reduced the deficit, his first goal since rejoining Newcastle in August 2019.
Leicester moved back above Tottenham into third, although they have played a game more than Spurs, leaders Liverpool and second-placed Manchester United.
Having drawn their past two games, Leicester were in danger of dropping off the pace in the title race, but they showed their class in patches at St James' Park and deserved three points.
Apart from a tidy Vardy finish that was disallowed for offside, they were restricted to very little in the first half, although returning pair Maddison and Tielemans unlocked Newcastle after the break.
Carroll stroked home to put some gloss on the scoreline for Newcastle - his first goal for the club since 2010 - but the hosts saw their winless league run extended to five games.
BBC
Foxes up to 3rd with another away win.
Fine first-time finishes from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans helped Leicester beat Newcastle and move to within a point of the top of the Premier League.
Maddison fired in Jamie Vardy's pull-back from just inside the penalty area to break Newcastle's resistance before Tielemans curled home from 20 yards after Marc Albrighton's pass.
Andy Carroll's equally impressive volley reduced the deficit, his first goal since rejoining Newcastle in August 2019.
Leicester moved back above Tottenham into third, although they have played a game more than Spurs, leaders Liverpool and second-placed Manchester United.
Having drawn their past two games, Leicester were in danger of dropping off the pace in the title race, but they showed their class in patches at St James' Park and deserved three points.
Apart from a tidy Vardy finish that was disallowed for offside, they were restricted to very little in the first half, although returning pair Maddison and Tielemans unlocked Newcastle after the break.
Carroll stroked home to put some gloss on the scoreline for Newcastle - his first goal for the club since 2010 - but the hosts saw their winless league run extended to five games.
BBC
Jonny Evans signs two-and-a-half year contract extension with Leicester City
Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans has signed a two-and-a-half year contract extension with Leicester City. His current deal was set to run out this summer.
The ex-Manchester United defender, who turns 33 on Sunday, has made 89 appearances for the Foxes since joining from West Brom in 2018.
"It is a club that I didn't want to leave. I've enjoyed my time and I'm delighted to extend the deal," Evans told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
Evans has become an integral part of Brendan Rodgers' side, helping them achieve Europa League qualification last season and the Foxes are again challenging strongly for a Champions League spot this term after narrowly missing out during the 2019-20 campaign."From the moment, I came into the club, I could see that they set really high standards," added Evans.
"There's the investment that they have put into the club in terms of the training ground and there are plans in the future to redevelop the stadium as well. "There's also always investment going into the playing squad which is huge and we've got a great manager in charge at the moment.
"Anyone who plays under Brendan would say that. He likes his players to express themselves. He gives them lots of confidence and I feel like I've benefited from that style of football." Evans acknowledges that the length of his contract extension demonstrates the "great commitment the club has shown me" even though he is about to celebrate his 33rd birthday.
"They have done since I've been here. I've played a lot of matches in the last two years.
"I think they've been happy with how I've played and I'm happy to be at the club," added Evans, who says he is already looking forward to his next campaign with Northern Ireland which will begin with an away game against Italy on 25 March.
BBC
Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans has signed a two-and-a-half year contract extension with Leicester City. His current deal was set to run out this summer.
The ex-Manchester United defender, who turns 33 on Sunday, has made 89 appearances for the Foxes since joining from West Brom in 2018.
"It is a club that I didn't want to leave. I've enjoyed my time and I'm delighted to extend the deal," Evans told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
Evans has become an integral part of Brendan Rodgers' side, helping them achieve Europa League qualification last season and the Foxes are again challenging strongly for a Champions League spot this term after narrowly missing out during the 2019-20 campaign."From the moment, I came into the club, I could see that they set really high standards," added Evans.
"There's the investment that they have put into the club in terms of the training ground and there are plans in the future to redevelop the stadium as well. "There's also always investment going into the playing squad which is huge and we've got a great manager in charge at the moment.
"Anyone who plays under Brendan would say that. He likes his players to express themselves. He gives them lots of confidence and I feel like I've benefited from that style of football." Evans acknowledges that the length of his contract extension demonstrates the "great commitment the club has shown me" even though he is about to celebrate his 33rd birthday.
"They have done since I've been here. I've played a lot of matches in the last two years.
"I think they've been happy with how I've played and I'm happy to be at the club," added Evans, who says he is already looking forward to his next campaign with Northern Ireland which will begin with an away game against Italy on 25 March.
BBC
Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester City
Iheanacho missed penalty costs Leicester dear as they only manage a draw after dominating first half
Harvey Barnes cancelled out Wilfried Zaha's opener as in-form Leicester were held to a draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Barnes' low strike into the corner salvaged a point for Brendan Rodgers' much-changed side, who climb to second in the Premier League table.
Kelechi Iheanacho spurned a golden opportunity to give the visitors a first-half lead when his penalty was saved by Vicente Guaita. The Nigerian's miss looked like it might prove costly when Zaha finished superbly from Andros Townsend's cross, but Barnes' second goal in as many games rescued a draw for the Foxes.
Leicester, who made seven alterations to the team that drew with Manchester United on Boxing Day, dominated possession but failed to test Guaita from open play until Barnes' late strike. The visitors' only other effort on target was from Ayoze Perez, whose first-half free-kick was easily held by the Spanish goalkeeper. The point lifts Palace above Newcastle into 13th place, eight points clear of the bottom three.
Having watched his side lose to 10-man Aston Villa 48 hours previously, Hodgson may have welcomed the quick turnaround as an opportunity to make amends for that painful defeat at Villa Park. The hosts were second best for much of the first half but should have taken the lead after Guaita had denied Iheanacho from the spot.
Former Foxes player Jeffrey Schlupp - making his 100th Premier League appearance for the Eagles - teed up Townsend on the edge of the six-yard box but the winger could only scuff his effort wide.As has so often been the case this season, it was Zaha who provided the spark of inspiration for Palace.
The 28-year-old connected superbly with Townsend's in-swinging cross to power an unstoppable volley past Kasper Schmeichel for his eighth league goal of the season.
Hodgson will be frustrated at his team's inability to hold on to their slender lead, but following recent heavy defeats against Liverpool and Villa, this was certainly a step in the right direction for the Eagles.
BBC
Iheanacho missed penalty costs Leicester dear as they only manage a draw after dominating first half
Harvey Barnes cancelled out Wilfried Zaha's opener as in-form Leicester were held to a draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Barnes' low strike into the corner salvaged a point for Brendan Rodgers' much-changed side, who climb to second in the Premier League table.
Kelechi Iheanacho spurned a golden opportunity to give the visitors a first-half lead when his penalty was saved by Vicente Guaita. The Nigerian's miss looked like it might prove costly when Zaha finished superbly from Andros Townsend's cross, but Barnes' second goal in as many games rescued a draw for the Foxes.
Leicester, who made seven alterations to the team that drew with Manchester United on Boxing Day, dominated possession but failed to test Guaita from open play until Barnes' late strike. The visitors' only other effort on target was from Ayoze Perez, whose first-half free-kick was easily held by the Spanish goalkeeper. The point lifts Palace above Newcastle into 13th place, eight points clear of the bottom three.
Having watched his side lose to 10-man Aston Villa 48 hours previously, Hodgson may have welcomed the quick turnaround as an opportunity to make amends for that painful defeat at Villa Park. The hosts were second best for much of the first half but should have taken the lead after Guaita had denied Iheanacho from the spot.
Former Foxes player Jeffrey Schlupp - making his 100th Premier League appearance for the Eagles - teed up Townsend on the edge of the six-yard box but the winger could only scuff his effort wide.As has so often been the case this season, it was Zaha who provided the spark of inspiration for Palace.
The 28-year-old connected superbly with Townsend's in-swinging cross to power an unstoppable volley past Kasper Schmeichel for his eighth league goal of the season.
Hodgson will be frustrated at his team's inability to hold on to their slender lead, but following recent heavy defeats against Liverpool and Villa, this was certainly a step in the right direction for the Eagles.
BBC
Leicester City 2-2 Man Utd: Jamie Vardy equalises after Bruno Fernandes looked to have won it
Jamie Vardy's late equaliser earned Leicester a 2-2 draw with Manchester United to ensure they remain above them in second spot.
Bruno Fernandes' 79th-minute goal had looked to have maintained United's 100 per cent away record this season but Vardy's equaliser - deflected in off Axel Tuanzebe - levelled it up (85).
Marcus Rashford's opener (23) had earlier been cancelled out by Harvey Barnes (31) before the interval in what was an evenly-balanced contest between Liverpool's closest rivals in the title race.
Rashford had a wonderful opportunity to give Manchester United the lead inside the first two minutes only to head Fernandes' left-wing cross over from point-blank range.
The England forward did not have to wait too long to open the scoring, however, this time slotting the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel after Fernandes diverted it into his path.
That assist for the Portuguese, followed by his goal, means that he has now been involved in 31 of the 60 United goals scored in the Premier League since his arrival in January. Unfortunately for Fernandes, the midfielder was also involved in Leicester's equaliser soon after when he surrendered possession on the edge of his own penalty box.
James Maddison duly fed the ball to Barnes who still had plenty to do but succeeded in firing the ball left-footed past David de Gea from the edge of the area.
It was just about deserved given that Vardy had looked dangerous throughout - with De Gea losing the ball in his box at one point. Both teams were a menace on the counter.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to break the deadlock early in the second half by introducing Paul Pogba but it was another substitute - Edinson Cavani - who set up Fernandes to retake the lead. His toe-poked pass broke the offside trap with Jonny Evans pushing out and Fernandes did the rest by firing low beyond Schmeichel - who had saved wonderfully well from Rashford just before - to seemingly earn the three points for his side.
But with little time left on the clock, Ayoze Perez emerged from the bench to cross for Leicester's own talisman Vardy to help deliver the equaliser - his first-time finish finding the back of the net via the legs of Tuanzebe.
Sky Sports
Jamie Vardy's late equaliser earned Leicester a 2-2 draw with Manchester United to ensure they remain above them in second spot.
Bruno Fernandes' 79th-minute goal had looked to have maintained United's 100 per cent away record this season but Vardy's equaliser - deflected in off Axel Tuanzebe - levelled it up (85).
Marcus Rashford's opener (23) had earlier been cancelled out by Harvey Barnes (31) before the interval in what was an evenly-balanced contest between Liverpool's closest rivals in the title race.
Rashford had a wonderful opportunity to give Manchester United the lead inside the first two minutes only to head Fernandes' left-wing cross over from point-blank range.
The England forward did not have to wait too long to open the scoring, however, this time slotting the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel after Fernandes diverted it into his path.
That assist for the Portuguese, followed by his goal, means that he has now been involved in 31 of the 60 United goals scored in the Premier League since his arrival in January. Unfortunately for Fernandes, the midfielder was also involved in Leicester's equaliser soon after when he surrendered possession on the edge of his own penalty box.
James Maddison duly fed the ball to Barnes who still had plenty to do but succeeded in firing the ball left-footed past David de Gea from the edge of the area.
It was just about deserved given that Vardy had looked dangerous throughout - with De Gea losing the ball in his box at one point. Both teams were a menace on the counter.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to break the deadlock early in the second half by introducing Paul Pogba but it was another substitute - Edinson Cavani - who set up Fernandes to retake the lead. His toe-poked pass broke the offside trap with Jonny Evans pushing out and Fernandes did the rest by firing low beyond Schmeichel - who had saved wonderfully well from Rashford just before - to seemingly earn the three points for his side.
But with little time left on the clock, Ayoze Perez emerged from the bench to cross for Leicester's own talisman Vardy to help deliver the equaliser - his first-time finish finding the back of the net via the legs of Tuanzebe.
Sky Sports
Tottenham 0-2 Leicester City
Foxes go second with another away win
Leicester City climbed to second in the Premier League as they overcame top-four rivals Tottenham to move four points behind leaders Liverpool.
In a hard-fought battle between the sides starting the day third and fourth in the table - Spurs one point above the visitors - it was the latter who established themselves as champions Liverpool's closest challengers courtesy of Jamie Vardy's penalty and a Toby Alderweireld own goal.
Vardy confidently dispatched his spot-kick in the fourth minute of first-half injury time, after referee Craig Pawson was advised to review Serge Aurier's needless shove on Wesley Fofana via the pitchside monitor.
A VAR review for offside disallowed James Maddison's well-taken finish three minutes after the restart, but Vardy's header from Marc Albrighton's excellent cross deflected in off Alderweireld to double Leicester's advantage after 59 minutes.
Vardy's opener arrived at the end of a closely contested opening 45 minutes, during which Spurs captain Harry Kane's saved free-kick in the 34th minute and Foxes midfielder Maddison's deflected shot from distance were the only other attempts on target.
Son Heung-min was denied at close range by Kasper Schmeichel as Jose Mourinho's disappointing hosts were left frustrated in search of a response, while Leicester went close to a late third through Youri Tielemans.
Beaten 2-1 by Liverpool in their top-of-the-table meeting on Wednesday, former pacesetters Tottenham find themselves six points adrift of the lead.
BBC
Foxes go second with another away win
Leicester City climbed to second in the Premier League as they overcame top-four rivals Tottenham to move four points behind leaders Liverpool.
In a hard-fought battle between the sides starting the day third and fourth in the table - Spurs one point above the visitors - it was the latter who established themselves as champions Liverpool's closest challengers courtesy of Jamie Vardy's penalty and a Toby Alderweireld own goal.
Vardy confidently dispatched his spot-kick in the fourth minute of first-half injury time, after referee Craig Pawson was advised to review Serge Aurier's needless shove on Wesley Fofana via the pitchside monitor.
A VAR review for offside disallowed James Maddison's well-taken finish three minutes after the restart, but Vardy's header from Marc Albrighton's excellent cross deflected in off Alderweireld to double Leicester's advantage after 59 minutes.
Vardy's opener arrived at the end of a closely contested opening 45 minutes, during which Spurs captain Harry Kane's saved free-kick in the 34th minute and Foxes midfielder Maddison's deflected shot from distance were the only other attempts on target.
Son Heung-min was denied at close range by Kasper Schmeichel as Jose Mourinho's disappointing hosts were left frustrated in search of a response, while Leicester went close to a late third through Youri Tielemans.
Beaten 2-1 by Liverpool in their top-of-the-table meeting on Wednesday, former pacesetters Tottenham find themselves six points adrift of the lead.
BBC
Leicester City 0-2 Everton - Foxes loses yet again at home
Everton scored in each half to beat fellow Champions League hopefuls Leicester and move back into the top five of the Premier League.
The visitors took the lead as Richarlison cut in from the left before beating Kasper Schmeichel with a low strike for his second Premier League goal of the season.
Moments later Jamie Vardy headed straight at Robin Olsen, making his second appearance of the season after Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti again rotated his goalkeepers, dropping England keeper Jordan Pickford to the bench.
The Toffees lost impressive midfielder Allan to what looked a hamstring injury just before the interval and Leicester pressed for an equaliser early in the second half.
But the early-season leaders doubled their advantage from a corner, with Schmeichel making a fine double-save only for defender Mason Holgate to stab in the rebound for his first Everton goal.
Leicester were then awarded a penalty for an Andre Gomes foul on fellow substitute Ayoze Perez but referee Lee Mason reversed his decision after viewing the pitchside monitor. Perez then had a goal disallowed for offside as Leicester missed the chance to go top of the table before joint-leaders Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield.
Approaching two years in charge, boss Brendan Rodgers has already turned Leicester from a mid-table side into Champions League hopefuls. This time last year they were second in the Premier League and looked the only side capable of reeling in runaway leaders Liverpool. But their collapse over the second half of last season started over the festive period, culminating in missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day.
This game, and the next two against Tottenham and Manchester United, offered an opportunity for Rodgers' young side to show they are now capable of staying the distance and challenging for the title.They made a bright start, with Youri Tielemans firing just wide from Vardy's lay-off, but Everton gradually took control and Schmeichel should have done better when he pushed Richarlison's 20-yard strike into the bottom corner.
Vardy wasted a great chance to hit straight back as he headed James Justin's cross straight at Olsen, but Leicester only had one more shot on target. Tielemans and James Maddison fired off target early in the second half before Leicester were again undone at a set-piece. This season they have conceded more goals from corners than any other Premier League side (seven).
That must be addressed if they are to establish themselves as genuine title contenders - or will they be content to continue their progress this year by ensuring they do clinch a top-four finish?
BBC
Everton scored in each half to beat fellow Champions League hopefuls Leicester and move back into the top five of the Premier League.
The visitors took the lead as Richarlison cut in from the left before beating Kasper Schmeichel with a low strike for his second Premier League goal of the season.
Moments later Jamie Vardy headed straight at Robin Olsen, making his second appearance of the season after Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti again rotated his goalkeepers, dropping England keeper Jordan Pickford to the bench.
The Toffees lost impressive midfielder Allan to what looked a hamstring injury just before the interval and Leicester pressed for an equaliser early in the second half.
But the early-season leaders doubled their advantage from a corner, with Schmeichel making a fine double-save only for defender Mason Holgate to stab in the rebound for his first Everton goal.
Leicester were then awarded a penalty for an Andre Gomes foul on fellow substitute Ayoze Perez but referee Lee Mason reversed his decision after viewing the pitchside monitor. Perez then had a goal disallowed for offside as Leicester missed the chance to go top of the table before joint-leaders Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield.
Approaching two years in charge, boss Brendan Rodgers has already turned Leicester from a mid-table side into Champions League hopefuls. This time last year they were second in the Premier League and looked the only side capable of reeling in runaway leaders Liverpool. But their collapse over the second half of last season started over the festive period, culminating in missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day.
This game, and the next two against Tottenham and Manchester United, offered an opportunity for Rodgers' young side to show they are now capable of staying the distance and challenging for the title.They made a bright start, with Youri Tielemans firing just wide from Vardy's lay-off, but Everton gradually took control and Schmeichel should have done better when he pushed Richarlison's 20-yard strike into the bottom corner.
Vardy wasted a great chance to hit straight back as he headed James Justin's cross straight at Olsen, but Leicester only had one more shot on target. Tielemans and James Maddison fired off target early in the second half before Leicester were again undone at a set-piece. This season they have conceded more goals from corners than any other Premier League side (seven).
That must be addressed if they are to establish themselves as genuine title contenders - or will they be content to continue their progress this year by ensuring they do clinch a top-four finish?
BBC
Leicester vs Everton - preview and team news
Jonny Evans suspended; Seamus Coleman not risked, James Rodriguez still out
Leicester will be without defender Jonny Evans, who misses out through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the win over Brighton.
Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira (both groin) are out although Timothy Castagne has a chance of being fit after being sidelined for two months with a hamstring injury. If he misses the visit of the Toffees, Castagne is expected to be available for Sunday's trip to Tottenham, live on Sky Sports.
Everton are likely once again to line up with four centre-backs in defence after Carlo Ancelotti said he would not risk captain Seamus Coleman.
Coleman is close to returning from a hamstring injury which has sidelined him since mid-October but Ancelotti told his pre-match press conference that he would instead hold him back for Saturday's visit of Arsenal - another game in front of the Sky Sports cameras. That means Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate are likely to continue in the full-back roles.
James Rodriguez will miss a second successive game as he recovers from a knock.
Sky Sports
Jonny Evans suspended; Seamus Coleman not risked, James Rodriguez still out
Leicester will be without defender Jonny Evans, who misses out through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the win over Brighton.
Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira (both groin) are out although Timothy Castagne has a chance of being fit after being sidelined for two months with a hamstring injury. If he misses the visit of the Toffees, Castagne is expected to be available for Sunday's trip to Tottenham, live on Sky Sports.
Everton are likely once again to line up with four centre-backs in defence after Carlo Ancelotti said he would not risk captain Seamus Coleman.
Coleman is close to returning from a hamstring injury which has sidelined him since mid-October but Ancelotti told his pre-match press conference that he would instead hold him back for Saturday's visit of Arsenal - another game in front of the Sky Sports cameras. That means Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate are likely to continue in the full-back roles.
James Rodriguez will miss a second successive game as he recovers from a knock.
Sky Sports
Leicester 3-0 Brighton
Foxes up to 3rd with 3 goals in home win
James Maddison scored twice as Leicester produced a relentless first-half display to beat Brighton and climb to third in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old struck twice before half-time, his second a sublime, curled finish into the top corner after he had slotted in from Jamie Vardy's blocked shot.
Vardy, making a record-equalling 222nd Premier League appearance for the Foxes, scored his side's second from James Justin's low cross. A breathless opening period had included great chances for both sides, as Mat Ryan denied Marc Albrighton inside the first five minutes and Kasper Schmeichel was equal to attempts by Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Danny Welbeck as Brighton threatened on the break.
With the points secured before the interval, Brendan Rodgers' side comfortably saw out a much quieter second period to move one point behind Tottenham and Liverpool, after both were held to draws on Sunday. Brighton remain 16th but are now just two points above the relegation places following Fulham's draw against the champions.
Aware many of their expected top-four rivals had dropped points over the course of the weekend, Leicester's motivation to take full advantage at the King Power Stadium was evident in their high-octane start.
Maddison's first ever Premier League double and Vardy's 10th goal of the campaign were deserved reward for a superb, free-flowing first-half display, in which the Foxes landed 13 shots at goal. Vardy's first opportunity came when his first-time hit from Justin's excellent pass was saved by Ryan - and he also struck the post before making no mistake when Justin again delivered from the right.
Equalling Muzzy Izzet's appearances tally, Vardy then teed up Maddison - whose sole England cap arrived over a year ago - for his excellent left-footed finish, which typified a performance indicative of a player nearing a return to his best. Despite missing a number of key players to injury, defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Timothy Castagne among those still absent,
Rodgers' side continue to apply pressure at the summit in a start which has also seen them successfully juggle their Europa League commitments.
Converting their good start - reignited by this showing and Vardy's late Bramall Lane winner last weekend that ended a four-game winless run - is a must for Leicester, after last season's collapse which began over the Christmas period.
On this evidence, they are in good shape to do so ahead of key meetings with Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United in the next 13 days.
BBC Sport
Foxes up to 3rd with 3 goals in home win
James Maddison scored twice as Leicester produced a relentless first-half display to beat Brighton and climb to third in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old struck twice before half-time, his second a sublime, curled finish into the top corner after he had slotted in from Jamie Vardy's blocked shot.
Vardy, making a record-equalling 222nd Premier League appearance for the Foxes, scored his side's second from James Justin's low cross. A breathless opening period had included great chances for both sides, as Mat Ryan denied Marc Albrighton inside the first five minutes and Kasper Schmeichel was equal to attempts by Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Danny Welbeck as Brighton threatened on the break.
With the points secured before the interval, Brendan Rodgers' side comfortably saw out a much quieter second period to move one point behind Tottenham and Liverpool, after both were held to draws on Sunday. Brighton remain 16th but are now just two points above the relegation places following Fulham's draw against the champions.
Aware many of their expected top-four rivals had dropped points over the course of the weekend, Leicester's motivation to take full advantage at the King Power Stadium was evident in their high-octane start.
Maddison's first ever Premier League double and Vardy's 10th goal of the campaign were deserved reward for a superb, free-flowing first-half display, in which the Foxes landed 13 shots at goal. Vardy's first opportunity came when his first-time hit from Justin's excellent pass was saved by Ryan - and he also struck the post before making no mistake when Justin again delivered from the right.
Equalling Muzzy Izzet's appearances tally, Vardy then teed up Maddison - whose sole England cap arrived over a year ago - for his excellent left-footed finish, which typified a performance indicative of a player nearing a return to his best. Despite missing a number of key players to injury, defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Timothy Castagne among those still absent,
Rodgers' side continue to apply pressure at the summit in a start which has also seen them successfully juggle their Europa League commitments.
Converting their good start - reignited by this showing and Vardy's late Bramall Lane winner last weekend that ended a four-game winless run - is a must for Leicester, after last season's collapse which began over the Christmas period.
On this evidence, they are in good shape to do so ahead of key meetings with Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United in the next 13 days.
BBC Sport
Youri Tielemans: Brendan Rodgers says Leicester not looking to sell midfielder
Youri Tielemans' adviser says there is interest in Belgium international; Brendan Rodgers: "You see that with stories around this time, the agents are just starting to warm up now and get a few stories out."; Rodgers also expects Jonny Evans to sign a new contract soon
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has dismissed the suggestion that midfielder Youri Tielemans might be leaving in January. The 23-year-old Belgium international has continually impressed since arriving on a permanent deal from Monaco in the summer of 2019.
His adviser, Peter Smeets, told VoetbalNiuews that Tielemans "has his own dreams" and that "there is a lot of interest in him". But Rodgers played down the comments, feeling it is par for the course, with the January transfer window about to open.
"You see that with stories around this time, the agents are just starting to warm up now and get a few stories out," said the Leicester boss. "So, I am sure in Yori's case it is no different. "He is a very talented player and has been fantastic for us in the time he has been here.
"Until anything changes, and until my last day (at the club) I will continue to help him, as a player, improve. "He is a real joy to work with, fantastic. He loves football, prepares his life to be the best player he can be."He is still very young but he has achieved so much.
"Thankfully, he's a hungry young player who wants to improve and develop - and he is doing that here."
Sky Sports
Youri Tielemans' adviser says there is interest in Belgium international; Brendan Rodgers: "You see that with stories around this time, the agents are just starting to warm up now and get a few stories out."; Rodgers also expects Jonny Evans to sign a new contract soon
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has dismissed the suggestion that midfielder Youri Tielemans might be leaving in January. The 23-year-old Belgium international has continually impressed since arriving on a permanent deal from Monaco in the summer of 2019.
His adviser, Peter Smeets, told VoetbalNiuews that Tielemans "has his own dreams" and that "there is a lot of interest in him". But Rodgers played down the comments, feeling it is par for the course, with the January transfer window about to open.
"You see that with stories around this time, the agents are just starting to warm up now and get a few stories out," said the Leicester boss. "So, I am sure in Yori's case it is no different. "He is a very talented player and has been fantastic for us in the time he has been here.
"Until anything changes, and until my last day (at the club) I will continue to help him, as a player, improve. "He is a real joy to work with, fantastic. He loves football, prepares his life to be the best player he can be."He is still very young but he has achieved so much.
"Thankfully, he's a hungry young player who wants to improve and develop - and he is doing that here."
Sky Sports
Gray closing in on Leicester exit, says Rodgers
Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has failed to cement his spot in the side and is likely to leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of the season, manager Brendan Rodgers said.
The 24-year-old has made 168 appearances for Leicester in all competitions since arriving from Birmingham City in 2016, but has not been a part of Rodgers’ plans this season, his sole appearance coming in September’s 2-0 League Cup defeat by Arsenal.
“It’s pretty clear with Demarai that he’s looking to move on,” Rodgers said ahead of Sunday’s match at home against 16th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
“His attitude to training has been first class, he has been very professional, but he is at the stage of his career where he has been here a long time and hasn’t maybe nailed down a place. A fresh start may be the course for him.
“Until his last day here, I will always respect him, there will always be an opportunity for him, and I will never discard him but it’s looking more than likely he will probably be somewhere else next season.”
Leicester are fourth in the standings, three points adrift of league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
Reuters
Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has failed to cement his spot in the side and is likely to leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of the season, manager Brendan Rodgers said.
The 24-year-old has made 168 appearances for Leicester in all competitions since arriving from Birmingham City in 2016, but has not been a part of Rodgers’ plans this season, his sole appearance coming in September’s 2-0 League Cup defeat by Arsenal.
“It’s pretty clear with Demarai that he’s looking to move on,” Rodgers said ahead of Sunday’s match at home against 16th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
“His attitude to training has been first class, he has been very professional, but he is at the stage of his career where he has been here a long time and hasn’t maybe nailed down a place. A fresh start may be the course for him.
“Until his last day here, I will always respect him, there will always be an opportunity for him, and I will never discard him but it’s looking more than likely he will probably be somewhere else next season.”
Leicester are fourth in the standings, three points adrift of league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
Reuters
Leicester City 2-0 AEK Athens - Leicester City will be seeded in Monday's Europa League last-32 draw after sealing top spot in Group G with victory over AEK Athens.
The Foxes were 2-0 up after 14 minutes in a game they needed to win to finish above nearest rivals Sporting Braga. They went ahead through Cengiz Under's volley, the Turkey winger's first goal since signing on a season-long loan. England winger Harvey Barnes doubled the lead with a heavily deflected finish.
Fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Tottenham, Leicester can now look forward to the knockout stage of the Europa League.
They finished on 13 points, the same number as Braga, but claimed top spot thanks a superior head-to-head record over their Portuguese rivals. Two-time European champions Benfica and Real Sociedad, who sit second in La Liga, are among the unseeded teams Brendan Rodgers' side could face in February.
Leicester have overcome a number of injury setbacks to make steady progress, while the Europa League has given Rodgers the opportunity to give some of his younger players a chance to gain European experience. Luke Thomas followed his goal at Sporting Braga last month with an assist for Barnes, who cut into the penalty area to score after the 19-year-old's ball over the top.
France Under-21 defender Wesley Fofana, also 19 and one of the finds of the season, finished the game with a 93% passing accuracy rate, while full-back James Justin gave another assured performance. Having won just one of their previous five group games, AEK Athens were playing for pride.
Yet they offered very little threat and keeper Danny Ward was not required to make a serious save. Under's finish was exquisite, the on-loan player from Roma punishing Stratos Svarnas' mistake by lashing the ball into the net.
Two minutes later it was 2-0, Barnes cutting into the penalty area before his shot ended up in the net after a heavy deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu.
It could have been more as Leicester carved out 16 chances, including six on target, in a dominant performance.
BBC Sport
The Foxes were 2-0 up after 14 minutes in a game they needed to win to finish above nearest rivals Sporting Braga. They went ahead through Cengiz Under's volley, the Turkey winger's first goal since signing on a season-long loan. England winger Harvey Barnes doubled the lead with a heavily deflected finish.
Fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Tottenham, Leicester can now look forward to the knockout stage of the Europa League.
They finished on 13 points, the same number as Braga, but claimed top spot thanks a superior head-to-head record over their Portuguese rivals. Two-time European champions Benfica and Real Sociedad, who sit second in La Liga, are among the unseeded teams Brendan Rodgers' side could face in February.
Leicester have overcome a number of injury setbacks to make steady progress, while the Europa League has given Rodgers the opportunity to give some of his younger players a chance to gain European experience. Luke Thomas followed his goal at Sporting Braga last month with an assist for Barnes, who cut into the penalty area to score after the 19-year-old's ball over the top.
France Under-21 defender Wesley Fofana, also 19 and one of the finds of the season, finished the game with a 93% passing accuracy rate, while full-back James Justin gave another assured performance. Having won just one of their previous five group games, AEK Athens were playing for pride.
Yet they offered very little threat and keeper Danny Ward was not required to make a serious save. Under's finish was exquisite, the on-loan player from Roma punishing Stratos Svarnas' mistake by lashing the ball into the net.
Two minutes later it was 2-0, Barnes cutting into the penalty area before his shot ended up in the net after a heavy deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu.
It could have been more as Leicester carved out 16 chances, including six on target, in a dominant performance.
BBC Sport
Jamie Vardy gifts rainbow corner flag to Leicester LGBT+ fans group with goodwill message
'Keep up the good work!' writes Jamie Vardy on rainbow corner flag, which has been given to Leicester City's LGBT+ fans group Foxes Pride after they received abusive messages on social media following striker's winning goal at Sheffield United
Leicester's Jamie Vardy has written a goodwill message to the club's LGBT+ fans group on the rainbow corner flag he demolished while celebrating his winning goal at Sheffield United. After netting in the last minute to secure a 2-1 Premier League victory at Bramall Lane on Sunday, a jubilant Vardy ran and slid into the flag, which was carrying the Pride flag colours to mark the annual activation of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, sending splinters flying.
Although the striker - a boyhood Sheffield Wednesday fan - replaced the flag in the right spot, he was shown a yellow card for his overzealous celebration.
The images quickly went viral, and Leicester's LGBT+ and allies supporters group Foxes Pride were then inundated with tweets from other users misrepresenting Vardy's actions as a negative response to the campaign. However, on Tuesday night, the group posted an image to Twitter showing the flag now bearing a written message: 'FOXES PRIDE - keep up the good work!' and Vardy's signature.
"All at Foxes Pride have been saddened by LGBT-phobic comments online over the last few days after Vardy's corner flag goal celebration," the group said in an additional tweet. "We are proud and grateful for the support that Vardy and Leicester City FC continue to show for Rainbow Laces, LGBT fans and Foxes Pride."
The group's chair, Graeme Smith, told Sky Sports: "Since being established in 2015, Foxes Pride have always appreciated the support of all involved at Leicester City.
"This gesture from Vardy underlines the inclusive culture at our football club. We are proud to be able to partner with them, not just for Rainbow Laces but all year round."
On Wednesday, the campaign is celebrated nationally with Rainbow Laces Day, with sports fans across the country encouraged to lace up and post to social media in support of the slogan 'Make Sport Everyone's Game'.
Sky Sports
'Keep up the good work!' writes Jamie Vardy on rainbow corner flag, which has been given to Leicester City's LGBT+ fans group Foxes Pride after they received abusive messages on social media following striker's winning goal at Sheffield United
Leicester's Jamie Vardy has written a goodwill message to the club's LGBT+ fans group on the rainbow corner flag he demolished while celebrating his winning goal at Sheffield United. After netting in the last minute to secure a 2-1 Premier League victory at Bramall Lane on Sunday, a jubilant Vardy ran and slid into the flag, which was carrying the Pride flag colours to mark the annual activation of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, sending splinters flying.
Although the striker - a boyhood Sheffield Wednesday fan - replaced the flag in the right spot, he was shown a yellow card for his overzealous celebration.
The images quickly went viral, and Leicester's LGBT+ and allies supporters group Foxes Pride were then inundated with tweets from other users misrepresenting Vardy's actions as a negative response to the campaign. However, on Tuesday night, the group posted an image to Twitter showing the flag now bearing a written message: 'FOXES PRIDE - keep up the good work!' and Vardy's signature.
"All at Foxes Pride have been saddened by LGBT-phobic comments online over the last few days after Vardy's corner flag goal celebration," the group said in an additional tweet. "We are proud and grateful for the support that Vardy and Leicester City FC continue to show for Rainbow Laces, LGBT fans and Foxes Pride."
The group's chair, Graeme Smith, told Sky Sports: "Since being established in 2015, Foxes Pride have always appreciated the support of all involved at Leicester City.
"This gesture from Vardy underlines the inclusive culture at our football club. We are proud to be able to partner with them, not just for Rainbow Laces but all year round."
On Wednesday, the campaign is celebrated nationally with Rainbow Laces Day, with sports fans across the country encouraged to lace up and post to social media in support of the slogan 'Make Sport Everyone's Game'.
Sky Sports
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-2 LEICESTER CITY
Jamie Vardy's 90th minute winner gets Leicester out of jail - how the press see it
Jamie Vardy scored a 90th-minute winner for Leicester to break Sheffield United hearts and leave them in a perilous position at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Blades looked set to secure only their second point of the season when Oli McBurnie scored his first of the campaign after Ayoze Perez had given the visitors the lead.
However, the Foxes never looked like wanting to settle for a point in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. With moments of the match remaining, James Maddison fed in Vardy, who scampered clear of the home defence and slotted his shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
The 33-year-old boyhood Blades fan celebrated by running to the corner flag and snapping it with his boot.
Earlier, Vardy and Maddison both came close with fierce efforts that struck the Blades' right-hand upright.
Oliver Burke had United's only other chance of note when he slipped with just Kasper Schmeichel to beat.
BBC
Jamie Vardy struck a 90th-minute winner to grab Leicester a 2-1 victory at Sheffield United, leaving Chris Wilder’s men in all sorts of trouble in the Premier League
Ayoze Perez fired Leicester in front (24) after seizing upon a deflected shot by Marc Albrighton but Oli McBurnie scored his first goal of the season minutes later (26), heading in from a corner.
Leicester's performance tailed off in the second period but they could have had the game wrapped up as both Vardy and James Maddison hit the post in the first half.
The Blades were minutes away from their second point of the season but Vardy, who grew up a Sheffield Wednesday fan, raced clear from a Maddison pass with one of the last attacks of the game and grabbed maximum points for the Foxes.The Blades remain winless at the foot of the Premier League table and have taken just one point from the last 42 available in the league.
Sky Sports
Jamie Vardy's 90th minute winner gets Leicester out of jail - how the press see it
Jamie Vardy scored a 90th-minute winner for Leicester to break Sheffield United hearts and leave them in a perilous position at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Blades looked set to secure only their second point of the season when Oli McBurnie scored his first of the campaign after Ayoze Perez had given the visitors the lead.
However, the Foxes never looked like wanting to settle for a point in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. With moments of the match remaining, James Maddison fed in Vardy, who scampered clear of the home defence and slotted his shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
The 33-year-old boyhood Blades fan celebrated by running to the corner flag and snapping it with his boot.
Earlier, Vardy and Maddison both came close with fierce efforts that struck the Blades' right-hand upright.
Oliver Burke had United's only other chance of note when he slipped with just Kasper Schmeichel to beat.
BBC
Jamie Vardy struck a 90th-minute winner to grab Leicester a 2-1 victory at Sheffield United, leaving Chris Wilder’s men in all sorts of trouble in the Premier League
Ayoze Perez fired Leicester in front (24) after seizing upon a deflected shot by Marc Albrighton but Oli McBurnie scored his first goal of the season minutes later (26), heading in from a corner.
Leicester's performance tailed off in the second period but they could have had the game wrapped up as both Vardy and James Maddison hit the post in the first half.
The Blades were minutes away from their second point of the season but Vardy, who grew up a Sheffield Wednesday fan, raced clear from a Maddison pass with one of the last attacks of the game and grabbed maximum points for the Foxes.The Blades remain winless at the foot of the Premier League table and have taken just one point from the last 42 available in the league.
Sky Sports
“He had no chance of playing” – Agent reveals player wasted four years at Leicester
Back in 2016, there was a bit of excitement as Leicester City signed a rather unknown player by the name of Bartosz Kapustka.
The attacking midfielder arrived in August of 2016 after the Euros, during which he made four appearances, for a fee of around £4.5m.
That promise, however, didn’t convert into much, as the now 23-year-old registered just three appearances during his time at King Power Stadium, with Leicester deciding to send him on two loans during his four years at the club.
In the end, his contract simply ran out, and he returned to Poland last summer to Legia Warszawa, where he has become a member of the first-team.
What could have been a great move for Kapustka at an early age quickly became something of a nightmare, a move which was engineered by some Italian agents.
This is according to the player’s former agent, Cezary Kucharski, who spoke to WP SportoweFakty about what happened in 2016 in an interview about the interference of Zbigniew Boniek, the Polish FA president, in player’s lives.
He said: “Boniek probably advised Bartosz Kapustka to change manager. The boy listened, he didn’t renew his contract with me, and Italian agents sold him where it was known he had no chance of playing. To Leicester.
“This hindered the player’s development for four years. Kapustksa had to return to Poland and only now is he trying to rebuild at Legia. I would definitely not have transferred him to a club where he had no chance of playing. Who will give Kapustka these four years? Boniek?”
Sports Witness
Back in 2016, there was a bit of excitement as Leicester City signed a rather unknown player by the name of Bartosz Kapustka.
The attacking midfielder arrived in August of 2016 after the Euros, during which he made four appearances, for a fee of around £4.5m.
That promise, however, didn’t convert into much, as the now 23-year-old registered just three appearances during his time at King Power Stadium, with Leicester deciding to send him on two loans during his four years at the club.
In the end, his contract simply ran out, and he returned to Poland last summer to Legia Warszawa, where he has become a member of the first-team.
What could have been a great move for Kapustka at an early age quickly became something of a nightmare, a move which was engineered by some Italian agents.
This is according to the player’s former agent, Cezary Kucharski, who spoke to WP SportoweFakty about what happened in 2016 in an interview about the interference of Zbigniew Boniek, the Polish FA president, in player’s lives.
He said: “Boniek probably advised Bartosz Kapustka to change manager. The boy listened, he didn’t renew his contract with me, and Italian agents sold him where it was known he had no chance of playing. To Leicester.
“This hindered the player’s development for four years. Kapustksa had to return to Poland and only now is he trying to rebuild at Legia. I would definitely not have transferred him to a club where he had no chance of playing. Who will give Kapustka these four years? Boniek?”
Sports Witness
Wesley Fofana 'can become one of the best centre backs in the world', insists Jonny Evans as he claims Leicester team-mate has got 'all the attributes' to go right to the very top
Leicester defender Jonny Evans believes team-mate Wesley Fofana is destined to become a world-class talent after impressing since his move to the King power.
The Foxes signed the 19-year-old from Saint Etienne in a £36million deal and he has formed a strong partnership in a back-three alongside the experienced Evans and Christian Fuchs.Since arriving in October, Fofana has started six of a possible seven league games and has five appearances in the Europa League.
Evans has been impressed at how quickly the youngster has adapted and insisted he has all the attributes to reach the very top. 'He can probably go on and become one of the best centre-backs in the world,' Evans told BBC Radio 5 Live.
'Sometimes you forget how young he is. He's got a real athleticism and maturity about him.' In only his third game, Fofana was tasked with keeping Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet at the Emirates but the Frenchman stepped up to the plate as Leicester came away with a 1-0 victory.
He probably hadn't played in that formation and then he had to come up against one of the best strikers in the Premier League in Aubameyang,' Evans added.
'The way he dealt with him, he showed a real athleticism to be able to compete with a player of that calibre, he was so confident. I thought he was outstanding that night.'
The Foxes are looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Sheffield United on Sunday after successive defeats by Liverpool and Fulham.
The Blades have scored the joint fewest goals in the Premier League so far with just four and sit bottom of the table.
Daily Mail
Leicester defender Jonny Evans believes team-mate Wesley Fofana is destined to become a world-class talent after impressing since his move to the King power.
The Foxes signed the 19-year-old from Saint Etienne in a £36million deal and he has formed a strong partnership in a back-three alongside the experienced Evans and Christian Fuchs.Since arriving in October, Fofana has started six of a possible seven league games and has five appearances in the Europa League.
Evans has been impressed at how quickly the youngster has adapted and insisted he has all the attributes to reach the very top. 'He can probably go on and become one of the best centre-backs in the world,' Evans told BBC Radio 5 Live.
'Sometimes you forget how young he is. He's got a real athleticism and maturity about him.' In only his third game, Fofana was tasked with keeping Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet at the Emirates but the Frenchman stepped up to the plate as Leicester came away with a 1-0 victory.
He probably hadn't played in that formation and then he had to come up against one of the best strikers in the Premier League in Aubameyang,' Evans added.
'The way he dealt with him, he showed a real athleticism to be able to compete with a player of that calibre, he was so confident. I thought he was outstanding that night.'
The Foxes are looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Sheffield United on Sunday after successive defeats by Liverpool and Fulham.
The Blades have scored the joint fewest goals in the Premier League so far with just four and sit bottom of the table.
Daily Mail
Zorya Lunhansk 1-0 Leicester City
Late goal undoes Leicester in Ukraine / Soyuncu blow as trio return
Leicester's hopes of sealing top spot in Europa League Group G with a game to spare were dashed by Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, who grabbed a late winner through substitute Allahyar Sayyadmanesh on a freezing night in Zaporizhzhia.
A win would have been all but enough for the Foxes, but they might now have to defeat AEK Athens in their final match to ensure that top status.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the line-up that started in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham, but welcomed back senior players Ricardo Pereira, Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi following their respective spells on the sidelines. However, Turkish centre-back Soyuncu's return lasted only 17 minutes when he appeared to suffer a recurrence of his groin injury.
The Foxes twice came close to scoring in one move 10 minutes from time when Zorya goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj extended himself to block shots from Kelechi Iheanacho and then substitute James Maddison. Vasilj then threw himself to his right to keep out Cengiz Under's 20-yard strike. Zorya worked their opponents far harder with keeper Danny Ward, making only his second appearance of the season, pulling off two superb saves to deny Vladislav Kochergin and Andrejs Ciganiks, while Vladlen Yurchenko's header came off the bar.
With six minutes remaining they finally beat the former Huddersfield player when Sayyadmanesh converted Denis Favorov's low ball from the right.
Rodgers was delighted in the build-up that three senior players, integral to the team finishing fifth last season, were back in the line-up following injuries. Pereira was given a 45-minute runout after nine months out with a knee problem. The usually cavalier right-back appeared to play within himself in the first half, venturing near or around the opposition box on only two occasions, unlike James Justin on the opposite flank who appeared in that zone five times. However, the 27-year-old did look assured during the half.
As for Soyuncu, his first experience of first-team football in eight weeks was short-lived. He signalled to the bench he needed to come off after suggesting he had suffered a recurrence of his groin injury. Another lengthy period out for the influential defender will be a huge blow to Rodgers with the busy festive period around the corner.
Of the trio,
Nigerian Ndidi had the longest spell in the Zaporizhzhia cold, as he returned from a two-month lay-off with a groin problem. Sitting in midfield alongside the equally industrious Hamza Choudhury, the 23-year-old was exceptional and early in the match helped Pereira on the right by breaking up a possible Zorya attack.
BBC
Late goal undoes Leicester in Ukraine / Soyuncu blow as trio return
Leicester's hopes of sealing top spot in Europa League Group G with a game to spare were dashed by Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, who grabbed a late winner through substitute Allahyar Sayyadmanesh on a freezing night in Zaporizhzhia.
A win would have been all but enough for the Foxes, but they might now have to defeat AEK Athens in their final match to ensure that top status.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the line-up that started in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham, but welcomed back senior players Ricardo Pereira, Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi following their respective spells on the sidelines. However, Turkish centre-back Soyuncu's return lasted only 17 minutes when he appeared to suffer a recurrence of his groin injury.
The Foxes twice came close to scoring in one move 10 minutes from time when Zorya goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj extended himself to block shots from Kelechi Iheanacho and then substitute James Maddison. Vasilj then threw himself to his right to keep out Cengiz Under's 20-yard strike. Zorya worked their opponents far harder with keeper Danny Ward, making only his second appearance of the season, pulling off two superb saves to deny Vladislav Kochergin and Andrejs Ciganiks, while Vladlen Yurchenko's header came off the bar.
With six minutes remaining they finally beat the former Huddersfield player when Sayyadmanesh converted Denis Favorov's low ball from the right.
Rodgers was delighted in the build-up that three senior players, integral to the team finishing fifth last season, were back in the line-up following injuries. Pereira was given a 45-minute runout after nine months out with a knee problem. The usually cavalier right-back appeared to play within himself in the first half, venturing near or around the opposition box on only two occasions, unlike James Justin on the opposite flank who appeared in that zone five times. However, the 27-year-old did look assured during the half.
As for Soyuncu, his first experience of first-team football in eight weeks was short-lived. He signalled to the bench he needed to come off after suggesting he had suffered a recurrence of his groin injury. Another lengthy period out for the influential defender will be a huge blow to Rodgers with the busy festive period around the corner.
Of the trio,
Nigerian Ndidi had the longest spell in the Zaporizhzhia cold, as he returned from a two-month lay-off with a groin problem. Sitting in midfield alongside the equally industrious Hamza Choudhury, the 23-year-old was exceptional and early in the match helped Pereira on the right by breaking up a possible Zorya attack.
BBC
Ricardo Pereira in line to play against Zorya Luhansk after nine months out injured
Left-back Ricardo Pereira is set to make his first appearance in nine months when Leicester line up against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday.
The Portuguese returns for this Europa League Group G match after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and defender Caglar Soyuncu are also set to start after overcoming their injuries.
"It's a chance to field players making their comebacks, but also some young players," manager Brendan Rodgers said. Leicester booked their place in the last 32 with a 3-3 draw at Braga last week.
With only top spot left to play for, Rodgers has selected six under-23 players in the squad, including 16-year-old defender Ben Nelson. If he makes his debut he will become the fifth youngest player to appear for the Foxes.
Striker Jamie Vardy, midfielder Youri Tielemans, defender Jonny Evans and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel are among some of the senior players omitted from the squad.
"We have left a few behind," said Rodgers. "Evans, Tielemans, and Schmeichel - they have been important for us and for their international teams. They need a rest as does Jamie. It allows them to prepare for the game at the weekend."
Leicester, who face a 4,000-mile round-trip to Ukraine, travel to bottom side Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk are based in the city of Luhansk, but because of the conflict in that region they currently play their home games 250 miles away in Zaporizhzhia.
BBC
Left-back Ricardo Pereira is set to make his first appearance in nine months when Leicester line up against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday.
The Portuguese returns for this Europa League Group G match after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and defender Caglar Soyuncu are also set to start after overcoming their injuries.
"It's a chance to field players making their comebacks, but also some young players," manager Brendan Rodgers said. Leicester booked their place in the last 32 with a 3-3 draw at Braga last week.
With only top spot left to play for, Rodgers has selected six under-23 players in the squad, including 16-year-old defender Ben Nelson. If he makes his debut he will become the fifth youngest player to appear for the Foxes.
Striker Jamie Vardy, midfielder Youri Tielemans, defender Jonny Evans and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel are among some of the senior players omitted from the squad.
"We have left a few behind," said Rodgers. "Evans, Tielemans, and Schmeichel - they have been important for us and for their international teams. They need a rest as does Jamie. It allows them to prepare for the game at the weekend."
Leicester, who face a 4,000-mile round-trip to Ukraine, travel to bottom side Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk are based in the city of Luhansk, but because of the conflict in that region they currently play their home games 250 miles away in Zaporizhzhia.
BBC
Leicester City given second chance for signing with club now ‘willing’ to sanction January sale
Leicester City will have a second chance to sign William Carvalho, with his club, Real Betis, now ‘willing’ to sell the midfielder.
The Foxes were linked with a move for the Portuguese midfielder throughout the summer, with reports that they were willing to spend as much as €25m to secure his signature.
A move did not happen, with a recent report stating that they had seen a €20m offer rejected by the La Liga club, who considered it ‘insufficient’. Whether Leicester remain interested in Carvalho hasn’t been mentioned since but it seems if they are, they’ll have a chance to get him in January.
La Razón report that the La Liga side are ‘willing’ to sanction a departure for Carvalho so they can use the money to invest in the squad. It’s explained that they want to ‘make cash’ from a potential sale but have made it clear they want more than the €16m they paid for him. That’s why they considered the €20m offer from Leicester insufficient in the summer and want to make at least €30m from any sale.
Should the Foxes make a move, they will face competition from Benfica, who are also ‘willing’ to try and take the player back to Portugal. Their manager Jorge Jesus is a big fan after working with him at Sporting and would be happy to be ‘reunited’ with him if he was available.
That is undoubtedly the case, with Betis seemingly putting the feelers out ahead of the January transfer window, perhaps in the hope of creating a mini-auction for their player.
sportswitness.co.uk
Leicester City will have a second chance to sign William Carvalho, with his club, Real Betis, now ‘willing’ to sell the midfielder.
The Foxes were linked with a move for the Portuguese midfielder throughout the summer, with reports that they were willing to spend as much as €25m to secure his signature.
A move did not happen, with a recent report stating that they had seen a €20m offer rejected by the La Liga club, who considered it ‘insufficient’. Whether Leicester remain interested in Carvalho hasn’t been mentioned since but it seems if they are, they’ll have a chance to get him in January.
La Razón report that the La Liga side are ‘willing’ to sanction a departure for Carvalho so they can use the money to invest in the squad. It’s explained that they want to ‘make cash’ from a potential sale but have made it clear they want more than the €16m they paid for him. That’s why they considered the €20m offer from Leicester insufficient in the summer and want to make at least €30m from any sale.
Should the Foxes make a move, they will face competition from Benfica, who are also ‘willing’ to try and take the player back to Portugal. Their manager Jorge Jesus is a big fan after working with him at Sporting and would be happy to be ‘reunited’ with him if he was available.
That is undoubtedly the case, with Betis seemingly putting the feelers out ahead of the January transfer window, perhaps in the hope of creating a mini-auction for their player.
sportswitness.co.uk
Woeful Leicester lose to Fulham who move out of the bottom three
Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation places with an impressive victory over Leicester that denied Brendan Rodgers' side a share of top spot.
The visitors scored twice in eight first-half minutes, their first arriving when Ademola Lookman slotted past Kasper Schmeichel following Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's driving run from inside his own half.
Ivan Cavaleiro then made amends for his missed penalty against Everton eight days ago with a confident spot-kick, awarded after referee Simon Hooper reviewed Christian Fuchs' tackle on Bobby Decordova-Reid on the pitch-side monitor. Leicester had earlier struck the woodwork twice in quick succession as Wesley Fofana's follow-up to Youri Tielemans' volley cannoned off the crossbar.
But the Foxes, as they did in their 3-0 defeat by Liverpool, endured another frustrating night in attack until substitute Harvey Barnes' late reply ensured a nervy finale for Scott Parker's men. Fulham's second win of the season takes them up two places to 17th, while Leicester remain fourth and three points behind leaders Tottenham.
RB Leipzig loanee Lookman celebrated his goal by holding up a Senegal shirt which had been hung in the visitors' dressing room, in tribute to former midfielder Papa Bouba Diop who died aged 42 on Sunday.
A trip to the King Power Stadium marked the start of a difficult run of fixtures for Parker's side, with a trip to Manchester City and the visit of Liverpool to come and meetings with five of the 'big six' in their next nine. Following successive defeats, this was set to be a tough game for a team with the league's joint-worst defensive record and only one win in 25 Premier League away matches.
But Parker called for greater intensity after his side let in three goals in their defeat by Everton - the fourth time they had conceded three or more in nine league games - and how his call was answered here. The visitors appeared focused and well-organised from the off, while the return of Anguissa brought calm in midfield.
Anguissa's positive play and neat through-ball teed up Lookman's well-taken opener, while the mazy runs of England youth international Lookman caused Leicester problems on the break throughout. Cavaleiro's coolness from the spot, following his unfortunate slip in his previous miss, perhaps best typified a transformed Fulham display.
The visitors took a much more defensive approach in the second half in an attempt to keep Leicester at bay but, after Lookman was denied by Schmeichel at close range with 15 minutes remaining, Parker's men successfully endured a late barrage to leave with an excellent three points.
BBC
Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation places with an impressive victory over Leicester that denied Brendan Rodgers' side a share of top spot.
The visitors scored twice in eight first-half minutes, their first arriving when Ademola Lookman slotted past Kasper Schmeichel following Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's driving run from inside his own half.
Ivan Cavaleiro then made amends for his missed penalty against Everton eight days ago with a confident spot-kick, awarded after referee Simon Hooper reviewed Christian Fuchs' tackle on Bobby Decordova-Reid on the pitch-side monitor. Leicester had earlier struck the woodwork twice in quick succession as Wesley Fofana's follow-up to Youri Tielemans' volley cannoned off the crossbar.
But the Foxes, as they did in their 3-0 defeat by Liverpool, endured another frustrating night in attack until substitute Harvey Barnes' late reply ensured a nervy finale for Scott Parker's men. Fulham's second win of the season takes them up two places to 17th, while Leicester remain fourth and three points behind leaders Tottenham.
RB Leipzig loanee Lookman celebrated his goal by holding up a Senegal shirt which had been hung in the visitors' dressing room, in tribute to former midfielder Papa Bouba Diop who died aged 42 on Sunday.
A trip to the King Power Stadium marked the start of a difficult run of fixtures for Parker's side, with a trip to Manchester City and the visit of Liverpool to come and meetings with five of the 'big six' in their next nine. Following successive defeats, this was set to be a tough game for a team with the league's joint-worst defensive record and only one win in 25 Premier League away matches.
But Parker called for greater intensity after his side let in three goals in their defeat by Everton - the fourth time they had conceded three or more in nine league games - and how his call was answered here. The visitors appeared focused and well-organised from the off, while the return of Anguissa brought calm in midfield.
Anguissa's positive play and neat through-ball teed up Lookman's well-taken opener, while the mazy runs of England youth international Lookman caused Leicester problems on the break throughout. Cavaleiro's coolness from the spot, following his unfortunate slip in his previous miss, perhaps best typified a transformed Fulham display.
The visitors took a much more defensive approach in the second half in an attempt to keep Leicester at bay but, after Lookman was denied by Schmeichel at close range with 15 minutes remaining, Parker's men successfully endured a late barrage to leave with an excellent three points.
BBC
Manchester United linked with second Leicester City defender in cut-price deal
Eighteen months after signing Harry Maguire, the Red Devils have been credited with interest in another Leicester City defender in Jonny Evans, who is out of contract in the summer
Not satisfied with signing one centre-back from Leicester City, Manchester United now reportedly want another.
Eighteen months after paying £80m for Harry Maguire, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are looking at his former defensive partner, and former Red Devil, Jonny Evans, according to reports in the national press.
Evans’ contract at the King Power Stadium expires next summer and United are said to be looking at the Northern Ireland international as a cut-price option as they look to strengthen their back-line. However, the 32-year-old is in talks over a new deal at City, and has previously said how keen he would be to extend his stay at the club.
Speaking last month, before contract talks began a few weeks ago, Evans said: “I have really enjoyed my time here, if that option becomes available I'm sure it's one I would take."If we can come to an agreement I'm sure it won't be a problem and it will be sorted soon.”
Evans has been one of City’s top performers for the past two seasons, with many supporters feeling he was the key man in the defence, and whose performances went under the radar while Maguire and Caglar Soyuncu took the plaudits. Evans’ qualities are not overlooked by Brendan Rodgers though, who values his countryman highly, and has described his £3.5m switch from West Brom in 2018 as the “steal of the century”.
Among Premier League strikers, he does have a reputation as one of the best in the business. Asked to name the toughest defender he has faced, in-form Everton and England frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin said this week: “Jonny Evans is a very clever defender, very experienced. He knows all the tricks of the trade.
“I’m talking positionally and little things he’ll do to make the game easier for him. He gives himself an extra yard when the ball’s coming in behind. Even at the age he is, he’s still a very tough player to play against. He’s a very clever player.”
Leicester Mercury
Eighteen months after signing Harry Maguire, the Red Devils have been credited with interest in another Leicester City defender in Jonny Evans, who is out of contract in the summer
Not satisfied with signing one centre-back from Leicester City, Manchester United now reportedly want another.
Eighteen months after paying £80m for Harry Maguire, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are looking at his former defensive partner, and former Red Devil, Jonny Evans, according to reports in the national press.
Evans’ contract at the King Power Stadium expires next summer and United are said to be looking at the Northern Ireland international as a cut-price option as they look to strengthen their back-line. However, the 32-year-old is in talks over a new deal at City, and has previously said how keen he would be to extend his stay at the club.
Speaking last month, before contract talks began a few weeks ago, Evans said: “I have really enjoyed my time here, if that option becomes available I'm sure it's one I would take."If we can come to an agreement I'm sure it won't be a problem and it will be sorted soon.”
Evans has been one of City’s top performers for the past two seasons, with many supporters feeling he was the key man in the defence, and whose performances went under the radar while Maguire and Caglar Soyuncu took the plaudits. Evans’ qualities are not overlooked by Brendan Rodgers though, who values his countryman highly, and has described his £3.5m switch from West Brom in 2018 as the “steal of the century”.
Among Premier League strikers, he does have a reputation as one of the best in the business. Asked to name the toughest defender he has faced, in-form Everton and England frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin said this week: “Jonny Evans is a very clever defender, very experienced. He knows all the tricks of the trade.
“I’m talking positionally and little things he’ll do to make the game easier for him. He gives himself an extra yard when the ball’s coming in behind. Even at the age he is, he’s still a very tough player to play against. He’s a very clever player.”
Leicester Mercury
Barnsley Hoping To Strike Deal For Leicester City Midfielder
Barnsley are hoping to keep Leicester City loanee Matty James beyond this winter, according to their CEO Dane Murphy on their club website.
The midfielder joined the Tykes in the last transfer window on a short-term loan deal until January. However, they are keen on keeping him until the end of the campaign. James, who is 29 years old, has been ever-present this term for the Yorkshire side since his switch.
Murphy has said: “On Matty James, he’s played every game for us and played extremely well. He’s a huge boon in the locker room and on the field. He has an air about him, and not just because he’s a great player, and he’s played at the highest level, so he has that stature, it’s also because of him as a guy and he oozes this confidence and ability to galvanise and push this group.
“I’ve spoken to Matty and his representative and he’s enjoying his time here. And in January it will basically be up to Leicester City and what they want to do with him to see if we can try and get him for the back half of the season.” Regular game time…He was already a familiar face to Barnsley having had a loan spell at Oakwell three years ago.
James spent his whole early career at Manchester United but left on a permanent basis in 2012 to join Leicester and has been on the books at the King Power Stadium since then.
He has since made 116 appearances for the Foxes and has chipped in with five goals.
Barnsley are providing him with an opportunity of playing every week and it will be interesting to see if Leicester let him stay beyond January.
the72.co.uk
Barnsley are hoping to keep Leicester City loanee Matty James beyond this winter, according to their CEO Dane Murphy on their club website.
The midfielder joined the Tykes in the last transfer window on a short-term loan deal until January. However, they are keen on keeping him until the end of the campaign. James, who is 29 years old, has been ever-present this term for the Yorkshire side since his switch.
Murphy has said: “On Matty James, he’s played every game for us and played extremely well. He’s a huge boon in the locker room and on the field. He has an air about him, and not just because he’s a great player, and he’s played at the highest level, so he has that stature, it’s also because of him as a guy and he oozes this confidence and ability to galvanise and push this group.
“I’ve spoken to Matty and his representative and he’s enjoying his time here. And in January it will basically be up to Leicester City and what they want to do with him to see if we can try and get him for the back half of the season.” Regular game time…He was already a familiar face to Barnsley having had a loan spell at Oakwell three years ago.
James spent his whole early career at Manchester United but left on a permanent basis in 2012 to join Leicester and has been on the books at the King Power Stadium since then.
He has since made 116 appearances for the Foxes and has chipped in with five goals.
Barnsley are providing him with an opportunity of playing every week and it will be interesting to see if Leicester let him stay beyond January.
the72.co.uk
Leicester City handed triple injury boost ahead of Fulham clash
Latest Leicester City injury news ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham on Monday evening as the fixtures start coming thick and fast for Brendan Rodgers' men
Brendan Rodgers has issued an injury update ahead of Monday's clash with with Fulham. City are back in Premier League action when they host Scott Parker's Whites in a couple of day's time. Fresh from their European exertions in midweek, Rodgers' men face a short week with another trip abroad looming on Thursday.
City travel to Ukraine to face Zorya Luhansk on Thursday (5.55pm) having already qualified for the next round of the Europa League after the 3-3 draw with Braga in midweek.That has lifted the pressure from City's remaining couple of European games and that allows Rodgers to give much-needed game time to his returning stars.
Ricardo Pereira (knee), Wilfred Ndidi (adductor) and Caglar Soyuncu (adductor) are all set to be back in the squad for the Luhansk trip.Timothy Castagne, whom Rodgers said last week would be returning from a hamstring injury for Fulham, now looks set to miss out. "It'll be the same squad," (as Braga) Rodgers said. "Some of the other boys are back training.
"We have Ricardo, Wilf and Caglar, those three we are hopeful of getting some game-time in Luhansk when we go for our next European fixture. "So that's great news for us going into a busy period but otherwise we are pretty much the same squad."
City have been hit by injury woes early on in the season with European games added to the schedule.Beginning with Fulham, City face the prospect of nine games within a month. "To be honest it's been no different really in terms of having lots of games in that period," Rodgers continues. "In that month, you're having up to eight or nine games.
"The games close together are obviously going to be a tough ask for us but the players have been outstanding in their work. "They've known that this what what we said right from the start of the season. "You have to be ready every day, recover well and have to adapt this year with European football. "We are really enjoying the European experience and then knowing you have to come back and be right on it physically and mentally in the League games.
"I think the players have, up until this point. shown they are coping with that and have adapted to it really well. "You have to retain that humility, you can never think because it's going well in Europe and you have qualified that in the next game you can be anything less than 100 per cent.
"The players know that and we will be ready for Fulham."
Leicester Mercury
Latest Leicester City injury news ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham on Monday evening as the fixtures start coming thick and fast for Brendan Rodgers' men
Brendan Rodgers has issued an injury update ahead of Monday's clash with with Fulham. City are back in Premier League action when they host Scott Parker's Whites in a couple of day's time. Fresh from their European exertions in midweek, Rodgers' men face a short week with another trip abroad looming on Thursday.
City travel to Ukraine to face Zorya Luhansk on Thursday (5.55pm) having already qualified for the next round of the Europa League after the 3-3 draw with Braga in midweek.That has lifted the pressure from City's remaining couple of European games and that allows Rodgers to give much-needed game time to his returning stars.
Ricardo Pereira (knee), Wilfred Ndidi (adductor) and Caglar Soyuncu (adductor) are all set to be back in the squad for the Luhansk trip.Timothy Castagne, whom Rodgers said last week would be returning from a hamstring injury for Fulham, now looks set to miss out. "It'll be the same squad," (as Braga) Rodgers said. "Some of the other boys are back training.
"We have Ricardo, Wilf and Caglar, those three we are hopeful of getting some game-time in Luhansk when we go for our next European fixture. "So that's great news for us going into a busy period but otherwise we are pretty much the same squad."
City have been hit by injury woes early on in the season with European games added to the schedule.Beginning with Fulham, City face the prospect of nine games within a month. "To be honest it's been no different really in terms of having lots of games in that period," Rodgers continues. "In that month, you're having up to eight or nine games.
"The games close together are obviously going to be a tough ask for us but the players have been outstanding in their work. "They've known that this what what we said right from the start of the season. "You have to be ready every day, recover well and have to adapt this year with European football. "We are really enjoying the European experience and then knowing you have to come back and be right on it physically and mentally in the League games.
"I think the players have, up until this point. shown they are coping with that and have adapted to it really well. "You have to retain that humility, you can never think because it's going well in Europe and you have qualified that in the next game you can be anything less than 100 per cent.
"The players know that and we will be ready for Fulham."
Leicester Mercury
Arsenal and Leicester Wanted £18m Double-winner - Club Reportedly Agree to Sell in 2021
Ajax will not stand in Nicolas Tagliafico’s way next summer if the reported Arsenal and Leicester City target wants to leave the Eredivisie leaders in 2021, as reported by De Telegraaf.
Usually, when a player signs a new contract, that means he is committed to his current club and set to stay for the long haul. But while there is no reason to suggest that Tagliafico’s head has been turned, do not be surprised if the Argentina international puts pen to paper on a new contract… and then says his goodbyes a few months later.
According to De Telegraaf, Tagliafico is on the verge of extending his deal by a further year, until 2023.
In return, Ajax will let their £18 million-rated left-back go if an acceptable offer arrives at the end of this season. The Amsterdam giants know that Tagliafico, at the age of 28, is desperate to prove himself in a major European league, and that contract extension feels more like an attempt to protect the value of a prized asset than anything else.
“With Nico, he has reached the age that I understand that he wants to take the next step,” director of football Marc Overmars recently told AjaxTV.
“If that chance is there, then I think you shouldn’t take it away – if the conditions are good for all parties.” Leicester were linked via Le10 Sport but, with Luke Thomas, Timothy Castagne and James Justin all capable of playing at left-back, it would be a surprise if the Foxes renewed their interest in Tagliafico – even if Christian Fuchs departs.
An offer from Arsenal, however, may still be on the table.
The Sun reported that Tagliafico was keen on adding a bit of Argentine bite to a Samba-influenced dressing room at the Emirates. The anticipated departure of Sead Kolasinac in 2021 will leave the door wide open.
HITC
Ajax will not stand in Nicolas Tagliafico’s way next summer if the reported Arsenal and Leicester City target wants to leave the Eredivisie leaders in 2021, as reported by De Telegraaf.
Usually, when a player signs a new contract, that means he is committed to his current club and set to stay for the long haul. But while there is no reason to suggest that Tagliafico’s head has been turned, do not be surprised if the Argentina international puts pen to paper on a new contract… and then says his goodbyes a few months later.
According to De Telegraaf, Tagliafico is on the verge of extending his deal by a further year, until 2023.
In return, Ajax will let their £18 million-rated left-back go if an acceptable offer arrives at the end of this season. The Amsterdam giants know that Tagliafico, at the age of 28, is desperate to prove himself in a major European league, and that contract extension feels more like an attempt to protect the value of a prized asset than anything else.
“With Nico, he has reached the age that I understand that he wants to take the next step,” director of football Marc Overmars recently told AjaxTV.
“If that chance is there, then I think you shouldn’t take it away – if the conditions are good for all parties.” Leicester were linked via Le10 Sport but, with Luke Thomas, Timothy Castagne and James Justin all capable of playing at left-back, it would be a surprise if the Foxes renewed their interest in Tagliafico – even if Christian Fuchs departs.
An offer from Arsenal, however, may still be on the table.
The Sun reported that Tagliafico was keen on adding a bit of Argentine bite to a Samba-influenced dressing room at the Emirates. The anticipated departure of Sead Kolasinac in 2021 will leave the door wide open.
HITC
‘Timid’ Leicester City youngster starting to dispel doubts – Coach admits he wasn’t convinced
Over the past few years, Leicester City have sent a handful of their academy players out on loan to Belgian side Oud-Heverlee Leuven to gain first team experience. The two clubs are owned by the King Power International Group.
During the last window, Josh Eppiah arrived in Belgium on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League side. The forward, who has represented Leicester U23s, is yet to feature for the Foxes’ first team.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old made his first appearance for Leuven in their 2-2 draw against Sint-Truiden and got his name on the scoresheet. Things haven’t been easy for the Leicester owned player in recent years. According to Het Nieuwsblad, the attacker’s development was slowed down by a ‘serious back injury’. It’s claimed Eppiah’s ‘susceptibility to injury’ had ‘slowed him down’ at the Premier League club, and that is ‘still there’, suggesting he’s still at high risk of picking up injuries.
OH Leuven manager Marc Brys has explained Eppiah has managed to change his opinion after initially having doubts over his loan signing.“We have to be careful because he has a fragile body and often small aches and pains. We should definitely be careful not to push him into an injury, but sometimes he has to dare to push his limits a bit more in training,” Brys said.
“Last week he did that by training twice a day for the first time and that was better than expected. He’s a good guy who realises what professional football is all about.
“I’m going to be honest: I had my doubts. But he is dispelling those doubts. He picks up everything well and can offer us an extra solution in the front, where we have few alternatives.
“It took a while before we had to recognise his qualities, but in the meantime, he has also convinced the teammates of his potential and that is important for the hierarchy in the group. “He is a rather timid guy, but he is strong verbally and is good in the group. He is fast and agile… He only has to pick up the condition that the rest of the group has, but he is gradually reducing the gap.”
Eppiah must now focus on playing regularly during his loan stay and be hopeful he can convince Brendan Rodgers to include him in his plans at Leicester next season.
Sport Witness
Over the past few years, Leicester City have sent a handful of their academy players out on loan to Belgian side Oud-Heverlee Leuven to gain first team experience. The two clubs are owned by the King Power International Group.
During the last window, Josh Eppiah arrived in Belgium on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League side. The forward, who has represented Leicester U23s, is yet to feature for the Foxes’ first team.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old made his first appearance for Leuven in their 2-2 draw against Sint-Truiden and got his name on the scoresheet. Things haven’t been easy for the Leicester owned player in recent years. According to Het Nieuwsblad, the attacker’s development was slowed down by a ‘serious back injury’. It’s claimed Eppiah’s ‘susceptibility to injury’ had ‘slowed him down’ at the Premier League club, and that is ‘still there’, suggesting he’s still at high risk of picking up injuries.
OH Leuven manager Marc Brys has explained Eppiah has managed to change his opinion after initially having doubts over his loan signing.“We have to be careful because he has a fragile body and often small aches and pains. We should definitely be careful not to push him into an injury, but sometimes he has to dare to push his limits a bit more in training,” Brys said.
“Last week he did that by training twice a day for the first time and that was better than expected. He’s a good guy who realises what professional football is all about.
“I’m going to be honest: I had my doubts. But he is dispelling those doubts. He picks up everything well and can offer us an extra solution in the front, where we have few alternatives.
“It took a while before we had to recognise his qualities, but in the meantime, he has also convinced the teammates of his potential and that is important for the hierarchy in the group. “He is a rather timid guy, but he is strong verbally and is good in the group. He is fast and agile… He only has to pick up the condition that the rest of the group has, but he is gradually reducing the gap.”
Eppiah must now focus on playing regularly during his loan stay and be hopeful he can convince Brendan Rodgers to include him in his plans at Leicester next season.
Sport Witness
‘Very Interesting’ Paolo Maldini Hails Reported Leicester And Aston Villa Target
Brendan Rodgers has made it clear to the Foxes board that he wants to add Thauvin to his front line
Paolo Maldini has confirmed AC Milan’s interest in signing reported Leicester City and Aston Villa target Florian Thauvin, while speaking to Telefoot.
In truth, Marseille have done little to convince one of their star players to stay put at the Stade Velodrome. The 2-0 home defeat to Porto in midweek means L’OM have now lost 13 consecutive Champions League games; the most in the competition’s history.
Marseille haven’t made much progress off the field either, with Thauvin admitting to BeIN Sports that the Ligue 1 giants are yet to open talks over a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in July. The chance to sign a World Cup winner on the cheap hasn’t gone unnoticed elsewhere in Europe, with TMW claiming that Leicester and Villa are willing to overlook Thauvin’s miserable, short-lived spell at Steve McClaren’s Newcastle.
Calciomercato, meanwhile, state that Brendan Rodgers has made it clear to the Foxes board that he wants to add Thauvin to his already impressive front line. With Serie A leaders AC Milan throwing their hat publicly into the ring, however, Leicester and Aston Villa have a seven-time European champion for competition.
“His contract is ending so from the economic point of view he’s very interesting,” the legendary figure of Maldini explained, before admitting that 27-year-old Thauvin is at odds with Milan’s new-look policy of signing exciting youngsters. “He’s not the type of player we bought in the recent years because he is a bit old but we think that the solution is mixing players with experience with younger players. For sure he’s a player we must follow.”
Pianeta Milan report that Milan must sell before they can buy, with Marseille demanding £18 million in January. Thauvin, meanwhile, is asking for £85,000-a-week.
HITC
Brendan Rodgers has made it clear to the Foxes board that he wants to add Thauvin to his front line
Paolo Maldini has confirmed AC Milan’s interest in signing reported Leicester City and Aston Villa target Florian Thauvin, while speaking to Telefoot.
In truth, Marseille have done little to convince one of their star players to stay put at the Stade Velodrome. The 2-0 home defeat to Porto in midweek means L’OM have now lost 13 consecutive Champions League games; the most in the competition’s history.
Marseille haven’t made much progress off the field either, with Thauvin admitting to BeIN Sports that the Ligue 1 giants are yet to open talks over a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in July. The chance to sign a World Cup winner on the cheap hasn’t gone unnoticed elsewhere in Europe, with TMW claiming that Leicester and Villa are willing to overlook Thauvin’s miserable, short-lived spell at Steve McClaren’s Newcastle.
Calciomercato, meanwhile, state that Brendan Rodgers has made it clear to the Foxes board that he wants to add Thauvin to his already impressive front line. With Serie A leaders AC Milan throwing their hat publicly into the ring, however, Leicester and Aston Villa have a seven-time European champion for competition.
“His contract is ending so from the economic point of view he’s very interesting,” the legendary figure of Maldini explained, before admitting that 27-year-old Thauvin is at odds with Milan’s new-look policy of signing exciting youngsters. “He’s not the type of player we bought in the recent years because he is a bit old but we think that the solution is mixing players with experience with younger players. For sure he’s a player we must follow.”
Pianeta Milan report that Milan must sell before they can buy, with Marseille demanding £18 million in January. Thauvin, meanwhile, is asking for £85,000-a-week.
HITC
SC Braga 3 - 3 Leicester City
Vardy gets dramatic late equaliser to qualify for the last 32 of The Europa League
Jamie Vardy's 95th-minute strike earned Leicester a dramatic 3-3 draw at Braga which was enough to secure their place in the Europa League round of 32.
It appeared as though the Foxes would be made to wait in order to book their spot in the knockout stages of the competition when Fransergio fired the Portuguese side in front in the final minute of normal time.
But Vardy met Marc Albrighton's low cross to equalise for Leicester for the third time on the night. Harvey Barnes (9) had earlier cancelled out Al Musrati's fourth-minute opener before Paulinho restored Braga's lead.
But Luke Thomas' first senior goal appeared to have earned Brendan Rodgers' team a point before the last-minute drama unfolded at the Estadio AXA.
The result means Leicester top Group G on 10 points, and cannot finish outside of the top two places following Zorya Luhansk's 3-0 victory at AEK Athens.
BBC / Sky
Vardy gets dramatic late equaliser to qualify for the last 32 of The Europa League
Jamie Vardy's 95th-minute strike earned Leicester a dramatic 3-3 draw at Braga which was enough to secure their place in the Europa League round of 32.
It appeared as though the Foxes would be made to wait in order to book their spot in the knockout stages of the competition when Fransergio fired the Portuguese side in front in the final minute of normal time.
But Vardy met Marc Albrighton's low cross to equalise for Leicester for the third time on the night. Harvey Barnes (9) had earlier cancelled out Al Musrati's fourth-minute opener before Paulinho restored Braga's lead.
But Luke Thomas' first senior goal appeared to have earned Brendan Rodgers' team a point before the last-minute drama unfolded at the Estadio AXA.
The result means Leicester top Group G on 10 points, and cannot finish outside of the top two places following Zorya Luhansk's 3-0 victory at AEK Athens.
BBC / Sky
West Ham and Leicester ‘main suspects’ to sign player – January transfer presented as very possible
AS Roma’s Amadou Diawara is liked by West Ham United and Leicester City, according to ForzaRoma.info.
The defensive midfielder, who was reportedly a target for Arsenal in the summer, has made only one league start this season as he was forced to miss majority of fixtures after testing positive for Covid-19.
It’s claimed the Hammers and the Foxes are ‘main suspects’ for the 23-year-old. The report further adds there is talk about a possible ‘English offer’ for Diawara arriving at Stadio Olimpico, as early as January.
The Guinea international has now fallen down the pecking order as the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gonzalo Villar and Bryan Cristante are ahead of him. Having paid €21m to Napoli in 2019, the outlet states a proposal of at least €25m ‘would be excellent’ for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
If there is a ‘concrete offer’ for the former Napoli man in January, ForzaRoma.info explains the Giallorossi will ‘really think about it’.
Roma are ‘suffering’ financially, but their new owners don’t want to only think about ‘accounts’. The Friedkin Group may want to avoid weakening the squad for the second half of the season, especially if the Serie A side are still high in the league table.
West Ham and Leicester are pushed forward as ‘main suspects’ for Diawara and if either or both clubs make an offer of at least €25m, Roma will ‘really think about it’.
Sport Witness
AS Roma’s Amadou Diawara is liked by West Ham United and Leicester City, according to ForzaRoma.info.
The defensive midfielder, who was reportedly a target for Arsenal in the summer, has made only one league start this season as he was forced to miss majority of fixtures after testing positive for Covid-19.
It’s claimed the Hammers and the Foxes are ‘main suspects’ for the 23-year-old. The report further adds there is talk about a possible ‘English offer’ for Diawara arriving at Stadio Olimpico, as early as January.
The Guinea international has now fallen down the pecking order as the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gonzalo Villar and Bryan Cristante are ahead of him. Having paid €21m to Napoli in 2019, the outlet states a proposal of at least €25m ‘would be excellent’ for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
If there is a ‘concrete offer’ for the former Napoli man in January, ForzaRoma.info explains the Giallorossi will ‘really think about it’.
Roma are ‘suffering’ financially, but their new owners don’t want to only think about ‘accounts’. The Friedkin Group may want to avoid weakening the squad for the second half of the season, especially if the Serie A side are still high in the league table.
West Ham and Leicester are pushed forward as ‘main suspects’ for Diawara and if either or both clubs make an offer of at least €25m, Roma will ‘really think about it’.
Sport Witness
Liverpool 3-0 Leicester City | Liverpool go level on points with Spurs at the top and extend their home unbeaten games to a record 64
Liverpool moved level on points with Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur and thwarted Leicester City's hopes of going top with an outstanding performance and victory at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp's side remain behind Spurs on goal difference but the manner of the win - achieved amid an injury crisis - sounded an ominous warning to those hoping to wrest the title away from the champions.
Liverpool also set a new club of 64 league home games unbeaten, breaking a record set between February 1978 and January 1981.
Klopp's side took the lead midway through the first half when Jonny Evans nodded a corner into his own net and the advantage was doubled four minutes before half-time when a move of 30 passes ended with Diogo Jota heading in Andrew Robertson's superb cross.
Liverpool added Mohamed Salah to their long list of absentees after he tested positive for Covid-19 in Egypt but the prolific Jota, signed from Wolves for £45m in September, once again stepped in - becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four competitive home appearances.
Leicester improved marginally in the second half but it was still Liverpool who dominated, Evans heading against his own post and both Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane being denied by the woodwork and keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Firmino was finally on target as he rose to send a fine header out of Schmeichel's reach four minutes from time to give Liverpool the victory margin their superiority deserved.
BBC Sport
Liverpool moved level on points with Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur and thwarted Leicester City's hopes of going top with an outstanding performance and victory at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp's side remain behind Spurs on goal difference but the manner of the win - achieved amid an injury crisis - sounded an ominous warning to those hoping to wrest the title away from the champions.
Liverpool also set a new club of 64 league home games unbeaten, breaking a record set between February 1978 and January 1981.
Klopp's side took the lead midway through the first half when Jonny Evans nodded a corner into his own net and the advantage was doubled four minutes before half-time when a move of 30 passes ended with Diogo Jota heading in Andrew Robertson's superb cross.
Liverpool added Mohamed Salah to their long list of absentees after he tested positive for Covid-19 in Egypt but the prolific Jota, signed from Wolves for £45m in September, once again stepped in - becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four competitive home appearances.
Leicester improved marginally in the second half but it was still Liverpool who dominated, Evans heading against his own post and both Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane being denied by the woodwork and keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Firmino was finally on target as he rose to send a fine header out of Schmeichel's reach four minutes from time to give Liverpool the victory margin their superiority deserved.
BBC Sport
LIVERPOOL FANS REACT AT DAVID COOTE IS REMOVED FROM VAR DUTY FOR LEICESTER CLASH
A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that David Coote has been removed from VAR duty for the weekend clash with Leicester City.
The Reds host the current Premier League leaders on Sunday night in what could be a thrilling contest. Both sides have injury problems, with both Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers aware that a win for their respective teams would be a signal of intent.
Earlier in the week, there was deep frustration from some Liverpool supporters when it was revealed that Coote would be in charge of VAR for the game. That is because of his performance in last month’s Merseyside derby away to Everton, when Coote not only failed to pick out a red card tackle by Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk, but also harshly ruled out Jordan Henderson’s late goal for offside.
It seemed a baffling decision to put Coote on VAR duty for another Liverpool game so soon, but on Wednesday it was confirmed that he was no longer on duty for the Leicester clash.
That job has now been given to Andre Marriner, with the hope that no controversy is on show at Anfield on Sunday.
These Liverpool fans have been reacting to the decision on Twitter, with positivity the order of the day.
readliverpoolfc.com
A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that David Coote has been removed from VAR duty for the weekend clash with Leicester City.
The Reds host the current Premier League leaders on Sunday night in what could be a thrilling contest. Both sides have injury problems, with both Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers aware that a win for their respective teams would be a signal of intent.
Earlier in the week, there was deep frustration from some Liverpool supporters when it was revealed that Coote would be in charge of VAR for the game. That is because of his performance in last month’s Merseyside derby away to Everton, when Coote not only failed to pick out a red card tackle by Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk, but also harshly ruled out Jordan Henderson’s late goal for offside.
It seemed a baffling decision to put Coote on VAR duty for another Liverpool game so soon, but on Wednesday it was confirmed that he was no longer on duty for the Leicester clash.
That job has now been given to Andre Marriner, with the hope that no controversy is on show at Anfield on Sunday.
These Liverpool fans have been reacting to the decision on Twitter, with positivity the order of the day.
readliverpoolfc.com
Mo Salah allowed back into UK with negative coronavirus test but is OUT of Liverpool vs Leicester
MO SALAH will be allowed back into the country if he passes a Covid-19 test tomorrow — but will NOT be allowed to face Leicester on Sunday.
The Liverpool striker has been isolating in Egypt after testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty last week. Jurgen Klopp’s champions have been in constant talks with Egyptian officials as they planned to get the forward back to Merseyside as soon as possible.
But although the Government will allow 28-year-old Salah to return home, SunSport understands they will insist he goes straight into quarantine until Monday — even if he tests negative before flying home — as self-isolation must last ten days.
And Premier League rules also state a player who tests positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for the same period. Last night Salah tweeted: “I’d like to thank everyone for the supportive messages and well wishes. I’m confident I’ll be back on the field soon.”
The usual ‘elite sport’ exemption from self-isolating does not apply because Salah has given a positive result. That means the Anfield superstar, who has scored ten goals in 13 games this season, will not be available to Klopp for the crucial top-of-the-table clash with the Foxes on Sunday evening.
It is another major blow for the German boss, who has seen injuries and illness decimate his squad. Defenders Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are all out, while there are slight concerns over the fitness of left-back Andy Robertson.
The Sun
MO SALAH will be allowed back into the country if he passes a Covid-19 test tomorrow — but will NOT be allowed to face Leicester on Sunday.
The Liverpool striker has been isolating in Egypt after testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty last week. Jurgen Klopp’s champions have been in constant talks with Egyptian officials as they planned to get the forward back to Merseyside as soon as possible.
But although the Government will allow 28-year-old Salah to return home, SunSport understands they will insist he goes straight into quarantine until Monday — even if he tests negative before flying home — as self-isolation must last ten days.
And Premier League rules also state a player who tests positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for the same period. Last night Salah tweeted: “I’d like to thank everyone for the supportive messages and well wishes. I’m confident I’ll be back on the field soon.”
The usual ‘elite sport’ exemption from self-isolating does not apply because Salah has given a positive result. That means the Anfield superstar, who has scored ten goals in 13 games this season, will not be available to Klopp for the crucial top-of-the-table clash with the Foxes on Sunday evening.
It is another major blow for the German boss, who has seen injuries and illness decimate his squad. Defenders Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are all out, while there are slight concerns over the fitness of left-back Andy Robertson.
The Sun
Leicester City make approach for young fullback – Seems to have happened in past few days
Leicester City have made an approach for Sporting fullback Nuno Mendes, according to claims from the Portuguese media on Monday.
It’s newspaper Correio da Manhã who writes it, claiming the Foxes have worked to learn the details of the 18-year-old’s contract with the Lions.
Leicester City’s main intention was to become aware of the release clause, which according to the outlet is €45m.
Correio da Manhã says the approach wasn’t made through his agent, Miguel Pinho, but through someone who has deep knowledge of Portuguese football.
The report claims that Sporting are trying to raise Nuno Mendes’ release clause with a new contract, and also give him a pay raise. However, the negotiations haven’t kicked off so far.
Even though Correio da Manhã doesn’t mention it, Nuno Mendes has been linked both to Liverpool and Manchester United this year. Just last week, the news about his possible renewal had the two Premier League sides named in the stories, and never Leicester City, who seem to have only moved in the past few days.
Sport Witness
Leicester City have made an approach for Sporting fullback Nuno Mendes, according to claims from the Portuguese media on Monday.
It’s newspaper Correio da Manhã who writes it, claiming the Foxes have worked to learn the details of the 18-year-old’s contract with the Lions.
Leicester City’s main intention was to become aware of the release clause, which according to the outlet is €45m.
Correio da Manhã says the approach wasn’t made through his agent, Miguel Pinho, but through someone who has deep knowledge of Portuguese football.
The report claims that Sporting are trying to raise Nuno Mendes’ release clause with a new contract, and also give him a pay raise. However, the negotiations haven’t kicked off so far.
Even though Correio da Manhã doesn’t mention it, Nuno Mendes has been linked both to Liverpool and Manchester United this year. Just last week, the news about his possible renewal had the two Premier League sides named in the stories, and never Leicester City, who seem to have only moved in the past few days.
Sport Witness
Fans “can’t believe it” as David Coote returns to VAR for Liverpool vs. Leicester
A month after his disastrous performance as VAR for the Merseyside derby, David Coote has been named in the role for Liverpool’s clash with Leicester on Sunday.
Coote was roundly criticised for his lack of awareness in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in October, namely having overlooked a season-ending challenge from Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk.
Not only did Coote ignore the tackle from Pickford, instead only focusing on a marginal offside in the buildup to the collision, but he also came under scrutiny for ruling out a late winner for Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool requested a Premier League investigation into the use of the technology in the derby as a result, and the official was removed from referee and VAR duties for the following weekend’s fixtures.Back as a referee the weekend after, Coote was then back at Stockley Park for the next round of games, with the concerns from the Merseyside derby largely falling on deaf ears.
Now, with Liverpool preparing to take on Leicester at Anfield on Sunday, Coote has been restored to duties for a Reds game for the first time since that afternoon at Goodison, and, typically, this comes as VAR.Chris Kavanagh will be referee for the visit of Brendan Rodgers’ table-toppers, with Daniel Cook and Marc Perry as his assistants, Paul Tierney as fourth official and Nick Hopton as assistant VAR.
It will be the eighth time Kavanagh as been given the whistle for a Liverpool game, with Jurgen Klopp‘s side winning all six of the games in the league, including a 2-1 win over Leicester last October. But, unsurprisingly, the focus for Reds supporters was the involvement of Coote, with many taking to social media to criticise the decision:
ESPN report that Liverpool have been worst-affected by VAR decisions across the Premier League so far this season, with the most goals disallowed, penalties conceded and, overall, decisions against them by use of the technology.
The issue with VAR is not the technology itself, however, but those using it, and it should be a concern that an official who somehow managed to neglect a shocking challenge due to a blinkered focus on an offside call can be put in the same position just a month later.
This is Anfield
A month after his disastrous performance as VAR for the Merseyside derby, David Coote has been named in the role for Liverpool’s clash with Leicester on Sunday.
Coote was roundly criticised for his lack of awareness in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in October, namely having overlooked a season-ending challenge from Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk.
Not only did Coote ignore the tackle from Pickford, instead only focusing on a marginal offside in the buildup to the collision, but he also came under scrutiny for ruling out a late winner for Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool requested a Premier League investigation into the use of the technology in the derby as a result, and the official was removed from referee and VAR duties for the following weekend’s fixtures.Back as a referee the weekend after, Coote was then back at Stockley Park for the next round of games, with the concerns from the Merseyside derby largely falling on deaf ears.
Now, with Liverpool preparing to take on Leicester at Anfield on Sunday, Coote has been restored to duties for a Reds game for the first time since that afternoon at Goodison, and, typically, this comes as VAR.Chris Kavanagh will be referee for the visit of Brendan Rodgers’ table-toppers, with Daniel Cook and Marc Perry as his assistants, Paul Tierney as fourth official and Nick Hopton as assistant VAR.
It will be the eighth time Kavanagh as been given the whistle for a Liverpool game, with Jurgen Klopp‘s side winning all six of the games in the league, including a 2-1 win over Leicester last October. But, unsurprisingly, the focus for Reds supporters was the involvement of Coote, with many taking to social media to criticise the decision:
ESPN report that Liverpool have been worst-affected by VAR decisions across the Premier League so far this season, with the most goals disallowed, penalties conceded and, overall, decisions against them by use of the technology.
The issue with VAR is not the technology itself, however, but those using it, and it should be a concern that an official who somehow managed to neglect a shocking challenge due to a blinkered focus on an offside call can be put in the same position just a month later.
This is Anfield
Liverpool striker Mo Salah's absence prompting Leicester re-think and Gomez injury update ahead of Leicester clash
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds return to Premier League action against the current table-toppers Leicester City next weekend, but the German coach has a selection headache.
With key defender Virgil van Dijk already sidelined for the long-term, Klopp will also be without Joe Gomez, who suffered a serious injury on England duty, and Mohamed Salah, who must self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus.
Liverpool went with an attacking quartet of Diogo Jota alongside the usual front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino last time out against Man City and the Portuguese summer signing appears the likeliest candidate to move into Salah’s spot on the right side of the attack.
That leaves an extra spot open in midfield, with Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara vying to feature alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.There are also hopes that Fabinho could return to feature in defence alongside Joel Matip.
Gomez is already focused on his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered on international duty. The 23-year-old defender has already undergone surgery after suffering a ruptured patella tendon. He’s been in a similar position before, having faced a 15-month lay-off after a horror ACL injury, but it’s expected he won’t be out for nearly as long this time, with suggestions he could return before the end of the season.
"I've been here before, I know what it takes and I'll be back stronger than ever,” the defender posted in a statement on Instagram. "I'm obviously gutted but this is part of god's plan and I believe everything happens for a reason.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their well wishes and messages of support. I'm focused on my recovery and supporting my teammates in every way I can.
Liverpool Echo
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds return to Premier League action against the current table-toppers Leicester City next weekend, but the German coach has a selection headache.
With key defender Virgil van Dijk already sidelined for the long-term, Klopp will also be without Joe Gomez, who suffered a serious injury on England duty, and Mohamed Salah, who must self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus.
Liverpool went with an attacking quartet of Diogo Jota alongside the usual front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino last time out against Man City and the Portuguese summer signing appears the likeliest candidate to move into Salah’s spot on the right side of the attack.
That leaves an extra spot open in midfield, with Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara vying to feature alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.There are also hopes that Fabinho could return to feature in defence alongside Joel Matip.
Gomez is already focused on his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered on international duty. The 23-year-old defender has already undergone surgery after suffering a ruptured patella tendon. He’s been in a similar position before, having faced a 15-month lay-off after a horror ACL injury, but it’s expected he won’t be out for nearly as long this time, with suggestions he could return before the end of the season.
"I've been here before, I know what it takes and I'll be back stronger than ever,” the defender posted in a statement on Instagram. "I'm obviously gutted but this is part of god's plan and I believe everything happens for a reason.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their well wishes and messages of support. I'm focused on my recovery and supporting my teammates in every way I can.
Liverpool Echo
Pundit thinks 'scary' Leicester player is better than Tottenham star
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is ‘absolutely flying’ at the moment and not even Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane can rival him for the title of Britain’s best striker, John Aldridge told Sky Sports.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why the Liverpool legend is dreading the idea of Vardy running riot at Anfield after the international break.
With Joe Gomez joining Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk on the sidelines, this is not exactly a great time for the reigning Premier League champions to be going head-to-head with last season’s Golden Boot winner.
“Vardy is absolutely flying and that’s a bit scary,” said the 1988 First Division champion.
“If you’ve got a young recruit playing centre-half, it’s going to be difficult for the young lads with the way he peels off, plays on the shoulder, drifts out wide. “(Vardy is) a master of it. At the moment, he’s the best centre-forward in the country and even above Harry Kane.”
Vardy might forever be associated for his fondness of ‘skittle vodka’ but the 33-year-old is ageing like a slightly more sophisticated tipple these days, having found the net eight times in seven league matches in 2020/21. That is one more than Kane, although the Spurs skipper has been playing in a slightly more withdrawn, almost playmaker-esque role; a positional shift reflected by his division-high tally of eight assists.
HITC
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is ‘absolutely flying’ at the moment and not even Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane can rival him for the title of Britain’s best striker, John Aldridge told Sky Sports.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why the Liverpool legend is dreading the idea of Vardy running riot at Anfield after the international break.
With Joe Gomez joining Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk on the sidelines, this is not exactly a great time for the reigning Premier League champions to be going head-to-head with last season’s Golden Boot winner.
“Vardy is absolutely flying and that’s a bit scary,” said the 1988 First Division champion.
“If you’ve got a young recruit playing centre-half, it’s going to be difficult for the young lads with the way he peels off, plays on the shoulder, drifts out wide. “(Vardy is) a master of it. At the moment, he’s the best centre-forward in the country and even above Harry Kane.”
Vardy might forever be associated for his fondness of ‘skittle vodka’ but the 33-year-old is ageing like a slightly more sophisticated tipple these days, having found the net eight times in seven league matches in 2020/21. That is one more than Kane, although the Spurs skipper has been playing in a slightly more withdrawn, almost playmaker-esque role; a positional shift reflected by his division-high tally of eight assists.
HITC
Leicester City handed yet another injury concern during international fixtures
The Foxes' winger was in action in Turkey's 3-3 draw with Croatia on Wednesday evening, scoring his nation's third goal.
Leicester City fans will be watching the international fixtures with some trepidation during the current break.
City have had a number of injury problems since the start of the season, with a number of key players missing games.
Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi, Caglar Soyuncu and Timothy Castagne are among the players stepping up their recovery to be available as soon as possible, with Castagne and Pereira possibly available after the international break. While those players are staying in Leicester, there are still a number jetting off to represent their national teams over the international break. One of them is Turkey international winger Cengiz Under.
The 23-year-old has mainly been used as a substitute for Brendan Rodgers so far this season as he builds up his match fitness but has shown glimpses of what he can do in a Leicester shirt, assisting Jamie Vardy goals against both Arsenal and Leeds United after coming on from the bench. Under could look to use the international break to show what he can do on the international stage and stake a claim for a place in the starting lineup for the Premier League match against Liverpool.
The winger was named in the starting lineup for Turkey’s 3-3 draw with Croatia on Wednesday night, and scored the nation’s third goal, scoring from just inside the area.
However, there was also a worrying sight for City, when the player was taken off with under 15 minutes left to play after a strong challenge. It is unknown how serious the injury is and if it will keep him out of the next game against Russia on Sunday.
The player has since put a picture from the game on his Instagram profile, with no mention of the injury. Leicester are next in action when they take on Liverpool at Anfield after the international break, a game they hope Under will be available for.
Leicester Mercury
The Foxes' winger was in action in Turkey's 3-3 draw with Croatia on Wednesday evening, scoring his nation's third goal.
Leicester City fans will be watching the international fixtures with some trepidation during the current break.
City have had a number of injury problems since the start of the season, with a number of key players missing games.
Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi, Caglar Soyuncu and Timothy Castagne are among the players stepping up their recovery to be available as soon as possible, with Castagne and Pereira possibly available after the international break. While those players are staying in Leicester, there are still a number jetting off to represent their national teams over the international break. One of them is Turkey international winger Cengiz Under.
The 23-year-old has mainly been used as a substitute for Brendan Rodgers so far this season as he builds up his match fitness but has shown glimpses of what he can do in a Leicester shirt, assisting Jamie Vardy goals against both Arsenal and Leeds United after coming on from the bench. Under could look to use the international break to show what he can do on the international stage and stake a claim for a place in the starting lineup for the Premier League match against Liverpool.
The winger was named in the starting lineup for Turkey’s 3-3 draw with Croatia on Wednesday night, and scored the nation’s third goal, scoring from just inside the area.
However, there was also a worrying sight for City, when the player was taken off with under 15 minutes left to play after a strong challenge. It is unknown how serious the injury is and if it will keep him out of the next game against Russia on Sunday.
The player has since put a picture from the game on his Instagram profile, with no mention of the injury. Leicester are next in action when they take on Liverpool at Anfield after the international break, a game they hope Under will be available for.
Leicester Mercury
Chelsea, Leicester And Tottenham All Title Contenders – Jamie O’Hara
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie O’Hara has insisted that Spurs, Chelsea and Leicester City will fight Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Liverpool are just a point behind league leaders Leicester City at the moment, but have three of their back four out injured for the foreseeable future and are staring at a defensive crisis ahead of a difficult and congested fixture list.
Manchester City have made a slow start to the season and are currently tenth in the league table after seven games
When the season started most predicted that the title race would come down to Liverpool and Manchester City, but O’Hara believes the Premier League is now wide open at an early stage of the campaign.
He expects Chelsea, Tottenham and Leicester to be in the title mix and believes all of them have the squad to push Liverpool and Manchester City for the league title this season. The former Tottenham star said on talkSPORT: “It is not a two-horse race, in my opinion, there is more than that.
“Spurs are in there, you still have to put Chelsea in there and you have put Leicester in there. You can’t not put them teams in there. “Leicester are playing fantastic, if they can keep the squad and [Jamie] Vardy fit they have got the squad [to do it]. “Spurs arguably have the got the best front three at the moment with [Gareth] Bale, [Harry] Kane and [Heung-Min] Son who are unbelievable.
“It is not a two-horse race at all in my opinion. “This season the league is wide open.” Only six points separate Leicester at the top from Manchester City in tenth in the league table at the moment.
insidefutbol
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie O’Hara has insisted that Spurs, Chelsea and Leicester City will fight Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Liverpool are just a point behind league leaders Leicester City at the moment, but have three of their back four out injured for the foreseeable future and are staring at a defensive crisis ahead of a difficult and congested fixture list.
Manchester City have made a slow start to the season and are currently tenth in the league table after seven games
When the season started most predicted that the title race would come down to Liverpool and Manchester City, but O’Hara believes the Premier League is now wide open at an early stage of the campaign.
He expects Chelsea, Tottenham and Leicester to be in the title mix and believes all of them have the squad to push Liverpool and Manchester City for the league title this season. The former Tottenham star said on talkSPORT: “It is not a two-horse race, in my opinion, there is more than that.
“Spurs are in there, you still have to put Chelsea in there and you have put Leicester in there. You can’t not put them teams in there. “Leicester are playing fantastic, if they can keep the squad and [Jamie] Vardy fit they have got the squad [to do it]. “Spurs arguably have the got the best front three at the moment with [Gareth] Bale, [Harry] Kane and [Heung-Min] Son who are unbelievable.
“It is not a two-horse race at all in my opinion. “This season the league is wide open.” Only six points separate Leicester at the top from Manchester City in tenth in the league table at the moment.
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RODGERS ASKS LEICESTER TO SIGN £18M WORLD CUP WINNER; HE WANTS £85K-A-WEEK
Brendan Rodgers has asked Leicester City to sign Florian Thauvin from Marseille with his £85,000-a-week wage demands proving a little too rich for AC Milan, as reported by Calciomercato.
For almost any footballer, hearing that Paolo Maldini is a big fan of yours must be something of a ‘pinch me’ moment. But unless the 2018 World Cup winner reduces his prohibitive wage demands, he will not be joining forces with one of world football’s most legendary figures at the current Serie A leaders.
Pianeta Milan reported on Tuesday that technical director Maldini is so determined to bring Thauvin to Milan that he is willing to offer Samu Castillejo, another left-footed right winger, in exchange. But the fees involved could put off a Rossoneri side who have been hit hard in the pocket by football’s ongoing financial crisis.
Marseille want £18 million for Thauvin, despite the fact that the Frenchman’s contract is due to expire in July. The man himself, meanwhile, is allegedly hoping for £85,000-a-week. And there are genuine concerns at the San Siro that Milan could be pipped to the post by a Leicester side sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League heading into the November international break.
Calciomercato adds that Rodgers has asked Leicester to bring Thauvin back to England, despite his well-publicised difficulties at Newcastle United. One of the most naturally gifted wingers in Europe should not be written off by Foxes fans on the back of six short months on Tyneside, however.
It was five years ago, after all, and a fresh-faced Thauvin was not helped by Steve McClaren’s decision to play him in an ill-fated left-hand side position. Since switching to the right at Marseille, Thauvin has taken his game to a whole new level. He produced 15, 22 and 16 goals in three successive Ligue 1 seasons at the Stade Velodrome.
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Brendan Rodgers has asked Leicester City to sign Florian Thauvin from Marseille with his £85,000-a-week wage demands proving a little too rich for AC Milan, as reported by Calciomercato.
For almost any footballer, hearing that Paolo Maldini is a big fan of yours must be something of a ‘pinch me’ moment. But unless the 2018 World Cup winner reduces his prohibitive wage demands, he will not be joining forces with one of world football’s most legendary figures at the current Serie A leaders.
Pianeta Milan reported on Tuesday that technical director Maldini is so determined to bring Thauvin to Milan that he is willing to offer Samu Castillejo, another left-footed right winger, in exchange. But the fees involved could put off a Rossoneri side who have been hit hard in the pocket by football’s ongoing financial crisis.
Marseille want £18 million for Thauvin, despite the fact that the Frenchman’s contract is due to expire in July. The man himself, meanwhile, is allegedly hoping for £85,000-a-week. And there are genuine concerns at the San Siro that Milan could be pipped to the post by a Leicester side sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League heading into the November international break.
Calciomercato adds that Rodgers has asked Leicester to bring Thauvin back to England, despite his well-publicised difficulties at Newcastle United. One of the most naturally gifted wingers in Europe should not be written off by Foxes fans on the back of six short months on Tyneside, however.
It was five years ago, after all, and a fresh-faced Thauvin was not helped by Steve McClaren’s decision to play him in an ill-fated left-hand side position. Since switching to the right at Marseille, Thauvin has taken his game to a whole new level. He produced 15, 22 and 16 goals in three successive Ligue 1 seasons at the Stade Velodrome.
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