- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC sources confirm that Leicester City have made a bid for Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis.
The Foxes are in the market for a new centre-forward and are growing hopeful that they can seal a deal for the 24-year-old.
It is understood that Leicester City have lodged an offer worth around £23million for the Greece international.
The Foxes started their summer by selling midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea for £30million.
They have reinvested that £30million in three deals for Issahaku Fatawu, Caleb Okoli and Michael Golding.
But with Kelechi Iheanacho leaving on a free transfer to join Spanish side Sevilla, Leicester are still desperately short in the striker department.
READ MORE: Leicester City open talks to sign ‘fantastic’ £25m Championship talent
Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka are still at the club, but new manager Steve Cooper is eager to add more firepower to his squad in the shape of Fotis Ioannidis.
Star striker also watched by West Ham and Ipswich Town
Ioannidis has attracted plenty of attention across Europe after scoring 23 goals in all competitions for Panathinaikos last season.
HITC understands that Ipswich Town previously held talks over a deal for the Greek star this summer with Kieran McKenna’s side also eager to add a striker to their squad.
West Ham and Brentford have also monitored the 24-year-old this summer but did not progress their interest any further.
READ MORE: Leicester and Southampton miss out as ace follows Bellingham comparison with £5m move
Leicester are now looking to steal a march on their rivals and seal a deal for the talented forward.
There are only three weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut and only one week until Leicester begin their Premier League campaign with a visit from Tottenham Hotspur.
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