Leicester face long wait for answer after making contact for Ligue 1 star
Florian Thauvin: A shock target for Barcelona
Leicester City have made contact with the agent of Marseille winger Florian Thauvin, according to reports.
Thauvin is in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, where he has got his career well and truly back on track after an unsuccessful spell with Newcastle.
The winger failed to score in any of his 13 previous Premier League appearances. However, back at Marseille, he has thrived once more – scoring 66 goals from 162 games.
Hence, Thauvin is attracting interest from England once again. And given that he will be available on a free transfer in 2021, he would be a bargain for any interested party.
Leicester are one potential suitor, with their interest emerging over the summer. Now, Todofichajes claim they are back in the hunt for the France international.
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According to the report, Leicester want to add Thauvin to their ranks next summer. They could even negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him from January.
That seems an unlikely possibility, though. The website adds that after contacting his agent, Leicester have learned that Thauvin will not commit to a decision about his future until the end of the season.
There is still a chance they could sign him, but they won’t be able to steal a march on rivals for his signature.
Leicester have been looking to replenish their wide areas recently. They signed Cengiz Under on loan from Roma in the summer, before leaving Demarai Gray out of their Europa League squad.
Gray had been linked with Leeds during the transfer window, but failed to secure an exit. Like Thauvin, his contract expires next summer.
Leicester prepare new contract for Tielemans
Meanwhile, one player Leicester are keen on keeping hold of is midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian international has impressed since making his loan move to Leicester permanent in 2019. Naturally, his form has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to a recent report, Leicester are ready to offer Tielemans an increase in wages to tempt him into signing a new contract at the King Power Stadium.