Islam Slimani wants to leave Leicester City and return to France with Lyon during the January transfer window, the Ligue 1 club’s sporting director Juninho told Telefoot, via RMC.
Not long ago, Brendan Rodgers was hailing the qualities of an old-school target man who could have given his Leicester frontline something a little different – a physical Plan B, if you will (Mercury).
But despite the manager’s public proclamations, Slimani still appears to be about as welcome as a Hog Roast van at a vegan food festival.
The 32-year-old Algeria international has made just one cameo appearance in the Premier League all season and hasn’t even been included in a match-day squad since mid-October.
With his contract expiring in July, Leicester may jump at the chance to get Slimani off the wage bill this month.
Fortunately for the Foxes, Lyon are in the market for a new number nine as Moussa Dembele closes in on a move to La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid – and Slimani would arrive as a readymade replacement.
“Slimani is a player we appreciate a lot,” said Juninho, who is at pains to point out that the former Monaco loanee is not Lyon’s only target.
“Halfway through the season, it’s not always easy to find a striker.
“(But) we spoke with (Slimani) at the start of the season, we had almost made an agreement. He wants to come and wear our jersey.”
According to Le Progres, Lyon have offered Slimani an 18-month contract that would keep him at the club until the end of next season.
Rudi Garcia’s youthful OL side are currently top of the table and, if Slimani can replicate the form he showed during a short-lived spell at Monaco (nine goals and seven assists in 14 starts), a first Ligue 1 title since 2008 could be a genuine possibility.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
