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Report: Leicester close to first signing after agreeing £1.8 million fee for Fousseni Diabate

Fousseni Diabate of Mali is tackled by Borislav Tsonev of Bulgaria during the Toulon Tournament match between Mali and Bulgaria at the Stade Leo La...
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Leicester City boss Claude Puel is expected to be busy during the transfer window this month.

Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Southampton, England.

According to the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Fousseni Diabate, having agreed a fee believed to be worth in the region of €2 million (£1.77 million) with Ligue 2 side Gazelec Ajaccio for his services.

The 22-year-old, a Mali under-23 international, has impressed with his lively displays this season, but he has been far from prolific, registering just three goals in 18 league outings for his club thus far.

Fousseni Diabate of Mali is tackled by Borislav Tsonev of Bulgaria during the Toulon Tournament match between Mali and Bulgaria at the Stade Leo Lagrange on May 26, 2016 in Toulon, France.

He is incredibly quick, though, and has a penchant for making tireless runs in behind the opposition defence and into the channels, which really helps his team stretch the game if needed.

It is this quality in particular that makes him similar to Jamie Vardy, and perhaps Claude Puel is looking at the youngster as the 30-year-old’s long-term replacement.

Fousseni Diabate of Mali is tackled by Borislav Tsonev of Bulgaria during the Toulon Tournament match between Mali and Bulgaria at the Stade Leo Lagrange on May 26, 2016 in Toulon, France.

The Leicester Mercury claim that Diabate will initially play with the club’s under 23’s, if he does complete his switch to the King Power Stadium, and will be brought through the ranks as and when the coaching staff believe he is ready.

This will obviously be a signing for the future, however, and Foxes fans shouldn’t get too excited about the 22-year-old’s arrival just yet.