Leicester City are likely to offer Marc Albrighton a new contract to avoid the rumoured Burnley target running down the final year of his current deal, according to The Athletic.
Albrighton last signed an extension at the King Power Stadium in 2019, keeping the Premier League winner with the Foxes until next summer. The 31-year-old moved to the East Midlands from Aston Villa back in 2014, and has been a consistent performer in blue since.
Leicester now hope to keep Albrighton at the club past his current £45,000-per-week deal. Brendan Rodgers is loath to lose the wide midfielder’s versatility, and is also keen to keep his more experienced players.
Leicester have lost a lot of experience this summer with Wes Morgan retiring and Christian Fuchs leaving at the end of his contract. Rodgers now wants to stop Albrighton and other experienced players from also leaving the King Power to provide vital leadership.
Rodgers’ plans for Albrighton will come as a blow to Burnley, who had explored a deal for the Leicester star. Lancs Live reported earlier this month that Clarets boss Sean Dyche is intrigued by the former England U21 international’s situation.
Burnley must sign new wide midfielders this summer to add depth alongside Dwight McNeil and Johann Berg Gudmundsson. Turf Moor figures view Albrighton as a realistic option, as personal terms and any fee would be within their budget.
But Leicester are yet to receive an offer from Burnley, and have dealt the Clarets a blow by lining up a new contract for Albrighton. Dyche will likely now have to look elsewhere for a low-risk signing, capable of making an immediate impact next season.
Keeping Albrighton is a no-brainer for Leicester amid Burnley interest
It is surely a no-brainer for Leicester to keep Albrighton and hand the Burnley target a new contract this summer. The Tamworth-born star offers Rodgers consistency and adaptability, plus the potential to unlock opponents, cross with both feet and offer support defensively.
Rodgers may have to convince Albrighton that he will start more often next season, though. The Foxes boss only started him in 17 Premier League games last season, with a further 14 substitute outings. Yet the midfielder still offered five assists and a goal.
Rodgers also praised Albrighton back in December for his ability to move around the field and perform in different positions. He told Leicester’s website: “His work rate is incredible. He played in three positions tonight, right wing-back, left-wing and then onto the right-wing.
“It’s one of [the] things that I always like in my football players and football teams. That they’re bright and intelligent enough to interpret different systems and he’s a player that demonstrates that.”
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