Leicester are trying to pull off a late swoop for Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet before the close of the transfer window on Thursday.
The Belgian international is rated at around £20million and the Foxes are armed with cash from Harry Maguire’s £80m sale to Manchester United .
Midfielder Praet, 25, scored two goals and had three assists in 34 Serie A games last term and has been an ever-present for Sampdoria since he joined from Anderlecht in 2016.
His fine form saw Premier League rivals Arsenal attempt to sign him earlier this summer in an unsuccessful joint bid for Joachim Andersen as well.
(Image: Getty Images)
Praet, who had a trial with the Gunners as a teenager, is under contract until 2021 and can expect a hefty pay-rise at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is willing to offer Rachid Ghezzal in the deal as the winger, signed from Monaco for £12m a year ago, struggled to make an impact in 23 appearances last season.
If Praet joins he will link up with fellow Belgian Youri Tielemans at the 2016 top-flight champions, who the Foxes signed in a permanent deal this summer following his successful loan spell at the club last season.
They have also completed moves for striker Ayoze Perez from Newcastle and right-back James Justin from Luton, but are said to be chasing a centre-back as well as Praet following the departure of Maguire.
(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)
They have been linked with the likes of James Tarkowski from Burnley and Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake, but have so far appeared to be priced out of a move for both.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to add at least one new face to his squad before his side’s opening Premier League fixture at home to Wolves on Sunday.
Leicester are tipped by many to challenge the top six next season after they finished the 2018-2019 campaign strongly, eventually coming ninth in the league.
