Report: Leicester City join Sunderland in race for Jerry Yates; £2.5m bid already rejected

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Leicester City have joined Sunderland in the race to sign Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.

That’s according to The Sun, who have reported that the Foxes see him as a potential replacement for Kelechi Iheanacho or Jamie Vardy.

The duo could be set to leave the King Power Stadium following their relegation, and Leicester City will be eager to build an experienced squad that can send them straight back up.

Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reported in January that Sunderland would consider a move for Yates if they failed to tie Ross Stewart down to a new contract.

The Scottish striker is yet to put pen to paper, meaning Yates could still be a target for the Black Cats.

The Blackpool star netted 15 goals last season and was awarded their Players’ Player of the Season, top scorer and goal of the season after a disappointing campaign that saw the Seasiders drop down to League One.

With the likes of Sunderland, Leicester, Luton Town and West Brom all reportedly interested in Yates, it looks likely that he will depart Bloomfield Road this summer.

The Sun have claimed that a £2.5 million bid by an unknown club has already been rejected, while Blackpool are said to be holding out for £4m.

Sunderland don’t want a bidding war over Jerry Yates

Any Sunderland fan will tell you that they are in desperate need of a new striker, after playing a huge chunk of last season with Joe Gelhardt as their only option.

Yates’ goal stats make the hefty interest in him understandable and he would certainly add some competition to the Black Cats’ attack, even if Stewart was to remain at the club.

However, the Wearside outfit have become known for snapping up youngsters on the cheap and a move for Yates would be far from that.

It would be a huge surprise if Sunderland were to splash £4m on the 26-year-old, and an even bigger surprise if they were willing to enter a bidding war with some of the Championship’s wealthiest clubs.

Tony Mowbray’s side should focus on encouraging Stewart to commit his future to the club rather than downgrading.