Leicester plot hugely impressive capture of new Liverpool target to replace Youri Tielemans amid contract wrangle
Leicester City have started to get to work on replacing Youri Tielemans and could enter into a transfer war with Liverpool for a top midfielder, according to a report.
Tielemans is a fan-favourite at Leicester, having been a huge part of their recent success under Brendan Rodgers. The Belgian has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his time at the King Power.
His best moment in a Leicester shirt came in the 2021 FA Cup final when he fired a stunning strike past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. That goal proved to be the winner and Leicester therefore lifted the historic trophy for the first time in their history.
But the Foxes will soon have to play without Tielemans in the centre of the pitch. He has run down his contract with the club and is preparing to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Many fans would have expected Leicester to sell Tielemans for a reduced price in the January transfer window. This method would have seen them at least bring in some money for him.
But Tielemans has told Leicester chiefs that he wants to choose his next team on his own, without having to wait for bids to be submitted and then accepted.
The 25-year-old will likely receive contract offers from Liverpool and Arsenal.
It will be a huge blow once Tielemans leaves Rodgers’ squad, but Leicester officials are planning an ambitious move to replace him.
Leicester, Liverpool want PSG man
As per French source Jeunes Footeux, they are hoping to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Renato Sanches.
Leicester believe Sanches has a similar style and similar attributes to Tielemans, which should help him fit into Rodgers’ starting eleven perfectly.
Sanches would be a statement signing for Leicester, given the fact he plays for the richest club in France and has also represented German giants Bayern Munich in the past.
However, he should not be too hard to capture. PSG have decided they will sell him if an appropriate bid comes in. This is because Sanches has played a bit-part role this season due to injuries.
The report does not reveal exactly how much Leicester will have to pay for the Portugal international. On transfermarkt, though, he is valued at €25m (£22m).
Before Leicester can sign Sanches, they must move themselves away from the relegation zone and confirm their place in the Premier League for next season. They currently sit in 17th spot, just a point above the drop zone.
Leicester could face major competition for Sanches as Liverpool have also begun plotting a move for him. On Wednesday, 90Min reported that Liverpool have added Sanches to their shortlist of potential midfield additions.
Therefore, Sanches could be the subject of bids from both Leicester and Liverpool in the summer.
A lot of players would choose Liverpool straight away, given their illustrious history. But Sanches might not play as often if he went to Anfield, as Jurgen Klopp is hoping for at least two midfield signings this summer. Due to this, it might be more beneficial for the 25-year-old if he went to Leicester as he would walk straight into their first team.
Sanches would then have the opportunity to impress huge clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United by shining in a Leicester shirt.