Leicester City

Leicester City

Premier League • England

Youri Tielemans in demand as Real Madrid join Prem clubs eyeing Leicester star

Leicester midfielders Youri Tielemans and James Maddison

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham in being linked with a summer swoop for Leicester City ace Youri Tielemans.

The 24-year-old joined the Foxes in January 2019, initially on loan from Monaco. The move became permanent in that summer, with the East Midlanders paying around £32m for the Belgium international. And it was certainly money well spent as the former Anderlecht ace has become a vital part of Brendan Rodgers armoury.

He has made 153 appearances in all competitions, notching 24 goals. The talented forward has scored some important goals for the club.

But he will always be remembered for the long-range strike that won last season’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. Unsurprisingly, a number of clubs have been linked with the schemer.

In addition to the three London outfits, Manchester United’s name has been mentioned in connection with the star. And Italian giants Juventus are also thought to hold an interest.

It seems as though Tielemans will have the pick of the clubs in the off-season. And the fact Real have now entered the picture might turn his head.

Spanish newspaper AS suggest Los Blancos are now suitors and predict he will cost between £33.6million and £50.4million this summer.

That should not be a problem for the clubs mentioned. And the fact that some of the biggest hitters in European football are involved could drive his price even higher.

Tielemans turns down Leicester offer

There is no question that Rodgers wants to keep Tielemans at King Power Stadium. He is a player for the big occasion and has made 45 appearances in all competitions this term.

But the man with 49 international caps will fall out of contract at the end of next season. That means foreign clubs can start negotiating with him in January and pre-contract agreements can be signed.

It was recently reportedly that Tielemans has turned down the club’s offer of fresh terms. Leicester will not want to lose one of their top men for nothing, making it more likely he will be sold this summer.

He has played a huge part in the Foxes march to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League. And another decent showing in Rome on Thursday would further enhance his reputation.

Rodgers men drew 1-1 with Roma in the first leg and need a top display to make the final. It remains to be seen if Tielemans is still with them next season.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers

Leicester would be gutted to sell him to a Premier League rival and news of Real’s interest will be music to their ears.

READ MORE: Leicester told £30m transfer target is ‘better on one leg’ than their entire midfield