Aston Villa have ramped up their interest in Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho after it was revealed that club President of Football Operations Monchi has held talks with the player’s representatives.
The 27-year-old looks set to bring his seven-year stay at the King Power Stadium to an end this summer, with his contract set to expire in the coming weeks. It was reported towards the end of last year that there was still a hope that an agreement could be reached. However, there is now an acceptance that his time in the East Midlands will come to a close.
He fell out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca during the second half of the campaign, racking up just 57 minutes of action since the turn of the year.
He has been free to talk to overseas clubs, where there is expected to be plenty of interest in his services. Turkish outfit Trabzonspor are amongst his admirers as they look for alternatives in case they are unable to extend the stay of Southampton striker Paul Onuacho.
The Premier League looks a likely destination though. Villa’s attention was revealed earlier this week, and it appears as if they are ready to step up their bid to tempt him to the West Midlands. According to Football Insider, Monchi met the attacker’s representatives prior to last night’s Europa Conference League defeat against Olympiakos.
It is said Unai Emery is keen to recruit quality back-up for first choice striker Ollie Watkins. Villa will look to bolster their squad this summer as they prepare for life in next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in the last qualifying spot with two games remaining. They are seven points above fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who do possess a game in hand.
Iheanacho joined Leicester from Manchester City in 2017, where he has scored 61 goals in 232 appearances.
Writer’s View
Despite his limited game time, Leicester were keen to retain Iheanacho’s services as they prepare to return to the Premier League. Losing a player of his ability for free will be a massive blow, especially to a team playing in the same division.
The Foxes’ ability to spend during the upcoming transfer market could be hampered by recent events. As such, finding an ample replacement may be difficult, especially as they stand to lose other key stars such as Wilfred Ndidi. A potential big-money sale involving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall may boost the coffers, but it is likely to be a difficult summer.
