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Leicester till I Die Blogger Mark Heath takes a look at all the latest Leicester City related transfer rumours
ALFREDO MORELOS
POSITION: STRIKER
AGE: 24
PRICE: £40M
CURRENT CLUB: GLASGOW RANGERS
DATE LINKED: 01/08/2020
PROS:
Since catching the eye at Rangers, Morelos has broken into the Colombian national side, with 6 appearances and 1 goal so far. His stats for Rangers are pretty impressive, from 46 appearances in all competitions he has racked up an impressive 29 goals and 10 assists. With the same desire and hunger to chase down lost causes and a natural finisher, Morelos could just be the man that succeeds Jamie Vardy? Joining Rangers from Helsinki where his stats are even better, 46 goals from 62 appearances, this guy knows how to find the net, and at 24 years of age, his best years are to come!
CONS:
Reading between the lines, would he disrupt a settled squad, it appears he has that in him, the guy is a maverick, that can be exceptional one game and non existent the next, but his figures do not lie! I think Brendan would better manage him than Gerrard has/would, and could help turn this very good player into a world class forward. His temperament is questionable and it would worry me whether the squad would take to him, and indeed put up with any nonsense, we are known for player power here after all!
The lad is a gamble, but is he a gamble worth taking?
MY VERDICT:
Would he be able to achieve the numbers in the prem as he has in Scotland, the answer is you will never know unless you are willing to gamble, and the gamble is going to be big money. My gut tells me this guy is the real deal, and possibly the one to fill Mr Vardys boots, we are going to have to spend decent money to get the calibre of squad needed to compete at the highest levels, with Vardy getting no younger, I say make a move and get him in.
RATING
8/10 - A gamble worth taking!!
POSITION: STRIKER
AGE: 24
PRICE: £40M
CURRENT CLUB: GLASGOW RANGERS
DATE LINKED: 01/08/2020
PROS:
Since catching the eye at Rangers, Morelos has broken into the Colombian national side, with 6 appearances and 1 goal so far. His stats for Rangers are pretty impressive, from 46 appearances in all competitions he has racked up an impressive 29 goals and 10 assists. With the same desire and hunger to chase down lost causes and a natural finisher, Morelos could just be the man that succeeds Jamie Vardy? Joining Rangers from Helsinki where his stats are even better, 46 goals from 62 appearances, this guy knows how to find the net, and at 24 years of age, his best years are to come!
CONS:
Reading between the lines, would he disrupt a settled squad, it appears he has that in him, the guy is a maverick, that can be exceptional one game and non existent the next, but his figures do not lie! I think Brendan would better manage him than Gerrard has/would, and could help turn this very good player into a world class forward. His temperament is questionable and it would worry me whether the squad would take to him, and indeed put up with any nonsense, we are known for player power here after all!
The lad is a gamble, but is he a gamble worth taking?
MY VERDICT:
Would he be able to achieve the numbers in the prem as he has in Scotland, the answer is you will never know unless you are willing to gamble, and the gamble is going to be big money. My gut tells me this guy is the real deal, and possibly the one to fill Mr Vardys boots, we are going to have to spend decent money to get the calibre of squad needed to compete at the highest levels, with Vardy getting no younger, I say make a move and get him in.
RATING
8/10 - A gamble worth taking!!
DAVID BROOKS
POSITION: AM / RIGHT WINGER
AGE: 23
PRICE: £25M
CURRENT CLUB: AFC BOURNEMOUTH
DATE LINKED: 31/07/2020
PROS:
A lot of pundits and coaches speak very highly of Brooks, and what we have seen of him, he certainly looks like he is a class act, mainly used as a right winger, it’s a position where he can slot in nicely for Leicester. He is the profile of player which Brendan will love to work with, and is probably the best man for the job to unlock his undoubted potential. He has slotted into the Welsh national side and does not look out of place in the big games, infact, it’s where he seems to come alive. This guy is in the same mould of say a Foden,and given right handling could be just as good in the near future. Has ability to score a goal, and was a shining light in a poor Bournemouth team.
CONS:
Did not see a lot of Brooks this season due to injury, so here’s hoping that is not 1 of his traits, his 18/19 season stats are what we are to go by, as the season gone was definitely 1 to forget.
I do not see an awful lot not to like, yes he was a part of a relegated side, but I do feel if the kid played the whole season fully fit, Bournemouth would not have gone down. Some might argue that signing players from a relegated side, especially into a team now in Europe, is not the way forward, but for me, it’s not an issue.
The asking price may turn out to be a concern, Bournemouth will cash in, and if it was only us interested, a bid of £20-25M would surely get the man, but with a whole host of other interested parties, that figure may just creep up?
MY VERDICT:
Yep, this would work for me, a quality addition with youth and potential in abundance, I could see great things should Brendan get to work with this kid, imagine for one second a front 4 of Vardy, Maddison, brooks and Couthino? Ok, we can dream, but this guy is gettable and would surely see Leicester and Brendan as a good career move himself.
Anyone think any different, another name to counter? Well let us know and lets discuss!
RATING
8½/10 – Let’s go get him, it’s a nice fit for all involved.
POSITION: AM / RIGHT WINGER
AGE: 23
PRICE: £25M
CURRENT CLUB: AFC BOURNEMOUTH
DATE LINKED: 31/07/2020
PROS:
A lot of pundits and coaches speak very highly of Brooks, and what we have seen of him, he certainly looks like he is a class act, mainly used as a right winger, it’s a position where he can slot in nicely for Leicester. He is the profile of player which Brendan will love to work with, and is probably the best man for the job to unlock his undoubted potential. He has slotted into the Welsh national side and does not look out of place in the big games, infact, it’s where he seems to come alive. This guy is in the same mould of say a Foden,and given right handling could be just as good in the near future. Has ability to score a goal, and was a shining light in a poor Bournemouth team.
CONS:
Did not see a lot of Brooks this season due to injury, so here’s hoping that is not 1 of his traits, his 18/19 season stats are what we are to go by, as the season gone was definitely 1 to forget.
I do not see an awful lot not to like, yes he was a part of a relegated side, but I do feel if the kid played the whole season fully fit, Bournemouth would not have gone down. Some might argue that signing players from a relegated side, especially into a team now in Europe, is not the way forward, but for me, it’s not an issue.
The asking price may turn out to be a concern, Bournemouth will cash in, and if it was only us interested, a bid of £20-25M would surely get the man, but with a whole host of other interested parties, that figure may just creep up?
MY VERDICT:
Yep, this would work for me, a quality addition with youth and potential in abundance, I could see great things should Brendan get to work with this kid, imagine for one second a front 4 of Vardy, Maddison, brooks and Couthino? Ok, we can dream, but this guy is gettable and would surely see Leicester and Brendan as a good career move himself.
Anyone think any different, another name to counter? Well let us know and lets discuss!
RATING
8½/10 – Let’s go get him, it’s a nice fit for all involved.
VEDAT MURIQI
POSITION: FORWARD
AGE: 26
PRICE: £18.1
CURRENT CLUB: FENERBACHE
DATE LINKED: 31/07/2020
PROS:
Impressive stats in the Super Lig, 17 goals and 7 assists, from 36 appearances in all competitions. A full Kosovian international player also, scoring 8 goals from 23 appearances.I put this player in the same mould as say a Mitrovic, good in the air, with bags of strength, someone you can hit the ball up to who has the ability to hold it up and bring in others, his assist record suggests just that. At 26 years old, a good age to go on and do bigger and better things. There appears to be a lot of interest in the player, with Man Utd muted also, so a lot of big clubs taking an interest means theres no smoke without fire!
CONS:
Have you ever heard of the guy? I hadn’t until seeing the rumour, then doing my research, but then I hadn’t heard of Kante and Mahrez either. But the biggest Con here for me is, I just do not see where he fits in our team, Vardy is going nowhere, now unless Brendan wants to mix things up as a plan B and go back to the big man to lump to, I don’t know, but we have tried that with Slimani and to a lesser extent Ulloa, It just doesn’t suit what we have become. But then having said all that, we have struggled for a plan B, so maybe this is the way to go??
MY VERDICT:
I wouldn’t be opposed to a plan B of big man up top, because we do struggle to unlock defences when teams sit back, so a few whipped balls in from left and right to a target man works for me, but we have that guy in Slimani, so If Brendan is thinking along those lines, then look no further than what you already got! Definate option, and the boy knows where the net is, but at £18.1M, I’d suggest Brendan getting Slimani back at the training ground and working with him instead!
RATING
5/10 – Again, not for me, can you convince me otherwise??
POSITION: FORWARD
AGE: 26
PRICE: £18.1
CURRENT CLUB: FENERBACHE
DATE LINKED: 31/07/2020
PROS:
Impressive stats in the Super Lig, 17 goals and 7 assists, from 36 appearances in all competitions. A full Kosovian international player also, scoring 8 goals from 23 appearances.I put this player in the same mould as say a Mitrovic, good in the air, with bags of strength, someone you can hit the ball up to who has the ability to hold it up and bring in others, his assist record suggests just that. At 26 years old, a good age to go on and do bigger and better things. There appears to be a lot of interest in the player, with Man Utd muted also, so a lot of big clubs taking an interest means theres no smoke without fire!
CONS:
Have you ever heard of the guy? I hadn’t until seeing the rumour, then doing my research, but then I hadn’t heard of Kante and Mahrez either. But the biggest Con here for me is, I just do not see where he fits in our team, Vardy is going nowhere, now unless Brendan wants to mix things up as a plan B and go back to the big man to lump to, I don’t know, but we have tried that with Slimani and to a lesser extent Ulloa, It just doesn’t suit what we have become. But then having said all that, we have struggled for a plan B, so maybe this is the way to go??
MY VERDICT:
I wouldn’t be opposed to a plan B of big man up top, because we do struggle to unlock defences when teams sit back, so a few whipped balls in from left and right to a target man works for me, but we have that guy in Slimani, so If Brendan is thinking along those lines, then look no further than what you already got! Definate option, and the boy knows where the net is, but at £18.1M, I’d suggest Brendan getting Slimani back at the training ground and working with him instead!
RATING
5/10 – Again, not for me, can you convince me otherwise??
WILLIAM CARVALHO
POSITION: DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
AGE: 28
PRICE: £21M
CURRENT CLUB: REAL BETIS
DATE LINKED: 30/07/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
A lot of fans and pundits talk very highly of Carvalho, and he looks destined for a move, with his preference to the Premier league.
A ball playing defensive midfielder who likes to play 1 touch football, with the ability to make excellent through balls, and he is good at dribbling with the ball at his feet. Over 50 appearances for the national side which he appears to do his better work.
CONS:
A move has been muted for Carvalho for some time now, yet nobody seems to want, or have dipped their hands in the pockets, ask yourself why? Yes he looks comfortable when he has the ball, his passing, his dribbling all ok, but this guy cannot tackle for toffee!
In just 13 appearances for Betis this season he has managed to accumulate 6 yellows and 1 red, a liability if you ask me.
For me he doesn’t improve what we have in Ndidi and Choudhury, possibly even Mendy, so why make a move for him? I think if we were genuinely interested, we would have tabled a bid long ago.
MY VERDICT:
Nah, not for me, I do not genuinely believe we are interested anyway, maybe time ago we may have enquired and the rumour mill and agents may well be playing on that to inflate his price, at the £21m mentioned, we have to steer clear.
We have better already here, and there are better options out there should we look for cover for the current crop!
RATING 4/10
Its not going to happen, lets be honest, I am even more sure now it looks like we are looking to keep Mendy.
If for some reason it did happen, well I would be less than enthralled at his arrival. Does anyone think any different? Let me know!
POSITION: DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
AGE: 28
PRICE: £21M
CURRENT CLUB: REAL BETIS
DATE LINKED: 30/07/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
A lot of fans and pundits talk very highly of Carvalho, and he looks destined for a move, with his preference to the Premier league.
A ball playing defensive midfielder who likes to play 1 touch football, with the ability to make excellent through balls, and he is good at dribbling with the ball at his feet. Over 50 appearances for the national side which he appears to do his better work.
CONS:
A move has been muted for Carvalho for some time now, yet nobody seems to want, or have dipped their hands in the pockets, ask yourself why? Yes he looks comfortable when he has the ball, his passing, his dribbling all ok, but this guy cannot tackle for toffee!
In just 13 appearances for Betis this season he has managed to accumulate 6 yellows and 1 red, a liability if you ask me.
For me he doesn’t improve what we have in Ndidi and Choudhury, possibly even Mendy, so why make a move for him? I think if we were genuinely interested, we would have tabled a bid long ago.
MY VERDICT:
Nah, not for me, I do not genuinely believe we are interested anyway, maybe time ago we may have enquired and the rumour mill and agents may well be playing on that to inflate his price, at the £21m mentioned, we have to steer clear.
We have better already here, and there are better options out there should we look for cover for the current crop!
RATING 4/10
Its not going to happen, lets be honest, I am even more sure now it looks like we are looking to keep Mendy.
If for some reason it did happen, well I would be less than enthralled at his arrival. Does anyone think any different? Let me know!
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
POSITION: ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
AGE:28
PRICE: £18m (1 YEAR LOAN)
CURRENT CLUB: BARCELONA
DATE LINKED: 29/07/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
You don’t just lose it do you? Well I’m saying not, looks like he has found some sort of form on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 9 goals, 8 assists in all competitions from 34 appearances. Couthino can play in a variety of positions in an attacking role, so his versatility would be useful. Arguably showed his class when playing in the Premiership, and better still under Brendan Rodgers. The guy is still obviously class, and a return to the Premiership may just get him back to his brilliant best. For me, Couthino can be the name we need to take us to the next level, the ability to unlock defences, which we struggle with tremendously when teams shut up shop.
CONS:
here is not a lot really to not like, yes he hasn’t hit the ground running at Barcelona, but that can happen. The big downside here is his fee and wages, They are talking about an £18million loan fee, not to mention his £9million per year wages, can we justify such hefty figures? If we can negotiate something better then great, but something tells me he will have a few other interested parties which will only inflate the price. Can he hit the heights of previous times, I say yes, but only time will tell
MY VERDICT:
Why not, at least try get him, you never know, he may see us as a good fit, if the owners really want us to be a top 6 main stay, then these are the guys we need to get. The monies mentioned worries me, but sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate.
For me he is the marquee signing that will really show we mean business, probably a dream that will never materialise, but here’s hoping, what do you all think???
RATING
9/10 – YES YES YES, Lets finally show we mean business, quality player, still got many good years left in him, GET HIM IN!
POSITION: ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
AGE:28
PRICE: £18m (1 YEAR LOAN)
CURRENT CLUB: BARCELONA
DATE LINKED: 29/07/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
You don’t just lose it do you? Well I’m saying not, looks like he has found some sort of form on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 9 goals, 8 assists in all competitions from 34 appearances. Couthino can play in a variety of positions in an attacking role, so his versatility would be useful. Arguably showed his class when playing in the Premiership, and better still under Brendan Rodgers. The guy is still obviously class, and a return to the Premiership may just get him back to his brilliant best. For me, Couthino can be the name we need to take us to the next level, the ability to unlock defences, which we struggle with tremendously when teams shut up shop.
CONS:
here is not a lot really to not like, yes he hasn’t hit the ground running at Barcelona, but that can happen. The big downside here is his fee and wages, They are talking about an £18million loan fee, not to mention his £9million per year wages, can we justify such hefty figures? If we can negotiate something better then great, but something tells me he will have a few other interested parties which will only inflate the price. Can he hit the heights of previous times, I say yes, but only time will tell
MY VERDICT:
Why not, at least try get him, you never know, he may see us as a good fit, if the owners really want us to be a top 6 main stay, then these are the guys we need to get. The monies mentioned worries me, but sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate.
For me he is the marquee signing that will really show we mean business, probably a dream that will never materialise, but here’s hoping, what do you all think???
RATING
9/10 – YES YES YES, Lets finally show we mean business, quality player, still got many good years left in him, GET HIM IN!
ODSONNE EDOUARD
POSITION: STRIKER
AGE: 22
PRICE: £30m
PREVIOUS CLUBS: CELTIC , PSG AND TOULOUSE
DATE LINKED: 20/06/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
Cracking stats 19/20 season with 27 goals in all competitions with 19 assists, and with the Scottish prem ending early, he surely would have added to his tally. Used mainly as the lone striker he has also been utilised in the right forward position. At 22 years of age there is plenty of room and scope for improvement.
Pacy, Dynamic and a good finisher, there is not a lot not to like, with a whole host of clubs looking at him, the boy is surely going places.
CONS:
So yes, his stats read well, and as a lot of you will say, ‘its only in Scotland’ and you know what, maybe your right, because he didn’t do a lot at previously clubs, scoring only 1 on loan at Toulouse and only 3 at u19 level whilst at PSG. He says, and he seems content to stay at Celtic, does this mean he knows he has found his level? He has played for France at u17 up to u21 where to be fair he has scored goals, but he is yet to convince Didier Deschamps he is capable in the senior side. A lot of clubs are looking at this guy including some big names, Chelsea, Arsenal and Dortmund to name a few, his asking price may just become unrealistic should a move materialise!
MY VERDICT:
Hmmm not sure on this one, I think his price will be over inflated come the time of reckoning, I do believe we need to think about life after Vardy, but Edouard is not the man for me. His done great things in Scotland, but I think Akinbiyi could get similar numbers, and that’s saying something, Personally I think we need to be going for proven top level players, whatever the position, if we are to compete at the top of the tree and in Europe. He is just too much of a risk in my opinion, but as always, I would love to hear yours. Soooo You want him? Or let someone else take the risk?
RATING:
5/10 – A Possible, maybe Brendan could get a tune, but I think there will be better at a cheaper price.
POSITION: STRIKER
AGE: 22
PRICE: £30m
PREVIOUS CLUBS: CELTIC , PSG AND TOULOUSE
DATE LINKED: 20/06/2020, ONGOING
PROS:
Cracking stats 19/20 season with 27 goals in all competitions with 19 assists, and with the Scottish prem ending early, he surely would have added to his tally. Used mainly as the lone striker he has also been utilised in the right forward position. At 22 years of age there is plenty of room and scope for improvement.
Pacy, Dynamic and a good finisher, there is not a lot not to like, with a whole host of clubs looking at him, the boy is surely going places.
CONS:
So yes, his stats read well, and as a lot of you will say, ‘its only in Scotland’ and you know what, maybe your right, because he didn’t do a lot at previously clubs, scoring only 1 on loan at Toulouse and only 3 at u19 level whilst at PSG. He says, and he seems content to stay at Celtic, does this mean he knows he has found his level? He has played for France at u17 up to u21 where to be fair he has scored goals, but he is yet to convince Didier Deschamps he is capable in the senior side. A lot of clubs are looking at this guy including some big names, Chelsea, Arsenal and Dortmund to name a few, his asking price may just become unrealistic should a move materialise!
MY VERDICT:
Hmmm not sure on this one, I think his price will be over inflated come the time of reckoning, I do believe we need to think about life after Vardy, but Edouard is not the man for me. His done great things in Scotland, but I think Akinbiyi could get similar numbers, and that’s saying something, Personally I think we need to be going for proven top level players, whatever the position, if we are to compete at the top of the tree and in Europe. He is just too much of a risk in my opinion, but as always, I would love to hear yours. Soooo You want him? Or let someone else take the risk?
RATING:
5/10 – A Possible, maybe Brendan could get a tune, but I think there will be better at a cheaper price.
ABDULKADIR PARMAK
POSITION: CENTRAL MIDFIELD
AGE: 25
PRICE: £9.1m
PREVIOUS CLUBS: TRABZONSPOR
DATE LINKED: 22/07/2020
PROS:
An ever present for Trabzonspor this season, with 3 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. He has managed to break into the Turkish national team but with only 1 appearance to his name. Prodominently a central midfielder, but can be utilised behind the forwards and in left of midfield.
At 25 years of age he has time on his hands, and the sort of profile that Brendan would relish working with?
CONS:
Based in Turkey his whole career and for the majority albeit with a top side, but would he be able to make the switch to arguably the best, fastest most intense division in the world? His stats are not that impressive, and although he has been a part of a championship winning side, he has no personal honours to his name. £9.1m is a hefty price for a player that has only played in Turkey, with only 1 cap to his name in the national team!
MY VERDICT:
NO NO NO!! We need strength in depth granted, but my opinion is, we surely should be going for a higher standard of player than this, Brendan works well with younger players, and I am sure he can get the best out of ageing players also, but at 25 years old and the money being mentioned, I personally think we should stay clear, I believe he doesn’t improve what we already have in the team. Market value on this guy having researched is £2.5m, let that sink in! I believe there are better options out there, I also believe other areas need strengthening first. For me it’s a no thank you, but what do you Foxes think???
RATING:
3/10 – Not for me ta
POSITION: CENTRAL MIDFIELD
AGE: 25
PRICE: £9.1m
PREVIOUS CLUBS: TRABZONSPOR
DATE LINKED: 22/07/2020
PROS:
An ever present for Trabzonspor this season, with 3 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. He has managed to break into the Turkish national team but with only 1 appearance to his name. Prodominently a central midfielder, but can be utilised behind the forwards and in left of midfield.
At 25 years of age he has time on his hands, and the sort of profile that Brendan would relish working with?
CONS:
Based in Turkey his whole career and for the majority albeit with a top side, but would he be able to make the switch to arguably the best, fastest most intense division in the world? His stats are not that impressive, and although he has been a part of a championship winning side, he has no personal honours to his name. £9.1m is a hefty price for a player that has only played in Turkey, with only 1 cap to his name in the national team!
MY VERDICT:
NO NO NO!! We need strength in depth granted, but my opinion is, we surely should be going for a higher standard of player than this, Brendan works well with younger players, and I am sure he can get the best out of ageing players also, but at 25 years old and the money being mentioned, I personally think we should stay clear, I believe he doesn’t improve what we already have in the team. Market value on this guy having researched is £2.5m, let that sink in! I believe there are better options out there, I also believe other areas need strengthening first. For me it’s a no thank you, but what do you Foxes think???
RATING:
3/10 – Not for me ta
