Leicester ‘discussed’ shock Man Utd raid in January to solve Brendan Rodgers problem – report
Leicester reportedly discussed a shock January raid on Manchester United to solve a problem facing manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Foxes did not act on their interest in any senior stars during the recent transfer window. The only player they brought in was 17-year-old attacker Amani Richards from Arsenal.
The Englishman joined Leicester on deadline day for an undisclosed fee. He will likely feature in the club’s U18 side for the rest of the campaign, before attempting to break into the first team in a few seasons’ time.
Leicester’s lack of transfer activity is surprising given their defensive woes this term. Centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Jonny Evans remain out due to injury, while James Justin and Jannik Vestergaard have also spent time on the sidelines.
Rodgers’ side were reportedly aiming to take Malang Sarr on loan from Chelsea. But Blues manager Thomas Tuchel seemingly had the final say, and that was a no.
A report has now revealed Leicester’s talks regarding United defender Phil Jones. The Athletic claim discussions were held over Jones’ suitability at the King Power.
Man Utd raid scrapped by Foxes
They were looking to bring him in for the remainder of the season to act as defensive cover. But a bid was eventually scrapped and the Englishman remained at Old Trafford.
29-year-old Jones also had the opportunity to leave for France. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano states Bordeaux agreed a deal with the Red Devils to sign him.
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But Jones rejected the initial proposal, as well as any further approaches from the Ligue 1 outfit.
Jones could get some game time under Ralf Rangnick but is unlikely to become a regular. He faces competition from Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.
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Leicester man makes exit claim
Meanwhile, Nampalys Mendy has made it clear he is unhappy with his ‘complicated’ situation at Leicester, with doubts raised over the midfielder’s future.
The 29-year-old moved to the King Power in the summer of 2016. Arriving in the wake of the Foxes Premier League triumph, fans were hoping he would add some extra steel to the midfield. However, things have not gone to plan for the Senegal international in the East Midlands.
The tough-tackling player is yet to feature in the Premier League this term. His only appearance came in the EFL Cup back in October. Despite this, Mendy still made the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I knew very well about my club situation,” he said (via Sport Witness). “It’s very complicated and very difficult, whether it be mentally, it’s complicated when I’m deprived of what I love, but I’m passionate.”
Mendy is happy to be part of the Senegal squad, despite his circumstances.
“I’ve always kept this objective in my head (to be at AFCON),” he added. “I was lucky to be selected despite my situation.
“I worked really really hard during that period when I wasn’t playing, and today it’s paying off.”
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