Leicester City have just over £20 million to spend on a central defender this summer, according to the Telegraph.
They were not pressed into a signing in that area after the departure of Harry Maguire late during the summer window of 2019, but Brendan Rodgers apparently feels he needs a new face there now.
With that budget in mind, we’ve got three realistic targets for the Foxes at the back…
Wesley Fofana
The same report says Leicester are already in negotiations with Saint-Etienne over Fofana.
19-year-old Fofana is a promising prospect, but has just 17 senior league appearances to his name
Jonny Evans may be the ideal mentor to sit next to him and teach him the game.
That said, Fofana may require some patience. That’s why our next two options are more experienced.
Chris Smalling
Smalling spent last season on loan at Roma where he rediscovered his best form away from the glare of Old Trafford.
Sky Sports claim Manchester United want £20 million for the Englishman, which puts him within Leicester’s reach.
He could be exactly like Evans in the sense it takes him to leave United in order to show his best form.
The pair played alongside each other with the Red Devils and could rekindle that partnership at the King Power.
Smalling would have a point to prove to United and England manager Gareth Southgate. Leicester could be the beneficiaries.
Gary Lineker: A big success on and off the pitch
- Gary Lineker enjoyed a prolific club career
Lineker featured for Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham during his two spells in English football. He won the FA Cup with Spurs in 1991.
- Nou Camp marksman
Lineker is one of the few Englishmen to star for Barcelona. He won the Copa del Rey and Cup Winner’s Cup, scoring more than 50 goals in three seasons.
- Golden Boot winner
Lineker famously won the Golden Boot for England at the 1986 World Cup, scoring six goals. He netted 48 goals in 80 international games, third only to Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney.
- Top television host
Lineker presents BBC’s Match of the Day and BT Sport’s football coverage. He is also recognisable as the face of Walker’s Crisps.
Martin Hinteregger
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Hingeregger is a seasoned Austrian international with 47 caps to his name.
He’s capable of playing in a back three and used to operating in a backline which plays high up the pitch.
At 28, he has the experience to make the adjustments necessary to succeed in English football.
Perhaps he’s slightly outside the box but maybe that’s what’s needed.
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