According to The Sunday Mirror (27/09, p66), Leicester City are moving on to targeting Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.
It’s claimed that Leicester have been left frustrated in their attempts to sign Saint-Etienne star Wesley Fofana, and are now moving on.
Leicester now want to test Dortmund’s resolve over Akanji, though the Bundesliga side aren’t keen to let him go as things stand.
Saint-Etienne would only let Fofana go if he is then immediately loaned back to the French side for the season – something Leicester aren’t keen to do.
25-year-old Akanji is now wanted, in a deal that could set the Foxes back around £18million as they look to bring in a new centre back.
The news is a mixed bag for West Ham United, who also want to sign Fofana according to Sky Sports, with a £33million bid allegedly submitted last week.
On the one hand, Leicester moving on to Akanji somewhat clears the way for them to move for Fofana, as the Foxes are West Ham’s main competition for his signature.
On the other, Saint-Etienne refusing to sanction a deal without a loan-back makes life difficult for West Ham, as they aren’t really in a position to splash that kind of money on a player who won’t kick a ball for them this season.
West Ham will no doubt keep tabs on Fofana, and will certainly be hoping that Leicester go for Akanji to just clear the way a little.
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