Brendan Rodgers outcast still on Serie A side’s radar with winter bid expected for Leicester star
A report in Italy claims Torino will make a fresh bid for Leicester City midfielder Dennis Praet during the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan with Il Toro after becoming marginalised at King Power Stadium. Signed from Sampdoria for a reported fee of €20m in August 2019, the Belgium international enjoyed a solid first campaign. He was handed 27 Premier League appearances although only 12 of those were starts.
That number dropped to ten in 2020-2021, with just 15 top-flight outings. With little prospect of seeing much action last term, the decision was made to let him leave for Serie A.
And it was a positive move, with the former Anderlecht ace enjoying 17 starts among 23 league outings. Manager Ivan Juric was clearly impressed, with the Croatian keen to take him back for the current season.
However, the Foxes refused to play ball and he remained in the East Midlands. But Calciomercato are reporting that the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino outfit are refusing to take no for an answer.
The Italian outlet state that they will make a ‘new attempt’ to lure Praet to the club in January. And it seems as though I Granata will be seeking another loan deal with an option to purchase next summer.
Praet not part of Rodgers plans
Leicester have endured a dreadful start to the current campaign and sit bottom of the table after six games. An opening draw at home to Brentford has been followed by five straight top-flight defeats.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has been openly critical of the club’s transfer strategy, with only defender Wout Faes bought this summer.
He has cut a disconsolate figure during post-match media activities. And there is a sense that his days at the club might be numbered.
Despite a lack of new faces, Praet has played little part in proceedings this term. The Belgian has started one top-flight game and played just 82 minutes of league football despite the side’s struggles.
He did play 72 minutes of Leicester’s 0-0 EFL Cup draw with Stockport County which saw the Premier League side progress on penalties.
But it seems clear that he is not part of the Northern Irishman’s thoughts for the season. That suggests that a January exit – either on loan or on a permanent basis – might be on the cards.
Much will depend on whether Rodgers is still in charge when the next window opens early in the new year. Torino were not the only Italian club to show an interest and others might join the race if he is made available.
With just one year left on his current contract after this season, Praet’s price tag would drop considerably in nine months time.
He would be an attractive proposition for any club looking for a solid midfielder who will certainly not be overworked.
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