Two Replacements For Jamie Vardy Who Leicester City Can Target
Jamie Vardy has had the ideal rags-to-riches story in football, where he commenced at non-league side Fleetwood Town but has ended with winning the English Premier League with Leicester City. The England international’s stock is likely to rise even more, with Chelsea apparently looking to rope him in before the transfer window ends on Thursday. The former Halifax FC forward, who rejected a move to Arsenal last summer is being viewed as a backup striker to Alvaro Morata and has ticked all of Antonio Conte’s boxes.
If he does leave, Leicester City, who have made a decent start to their league campaign having won one and lost one, would have to find suitable replacements for him in little or no time. The Foxes can consider these two youngsters to replenish a forward line which could be severely depleted by the time the summer window ends:
Lamine N’Diaye
Superb on the ball and blessed with an excellent technique, Lamine N’Diaye is a youth product of the third-tier Italian club Renate. The Senegalese spent the entirety of last season plying his trade as a wide forward for Lazio Under 19 side and has earned rave reviews for his skill and understanding of the game. The Serie A giants are keen to grant him a contract, but nothing concrete has materialised so far.
Interestingly, there are reports that the 19-year-old has popped up on Leicester’s radar, and the English outfit is apparently preparing a bid. It is likely that they will make a move for him very soon, considering the imminent departure of Vardy and also the fact that a number of high profile clubs, including Juventus and AC Milan are keeping their tabs on him.
Yasin Ben El-Mhanni
Newcastle United picked Yasin Ben El-Mhanni from non-league side Lewes last year after his video went viral on the internet where he ended up acting as a body double to Neymar Junior. Another forward who prefers to work his magic from the wings, the London-based Moroccan has impressed in his limited appearances but is now looking for better options.
He only has a year left on his contract, but it seems like manager Rafa Benitez has made it clear that he will not be playing him a lot this season. Eager to taste top-level football, El-Mhanni is considering his options elsewhere, with the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and Italian outfit Napoli expressing their interest in him. Leicester City will have in him a 21-year old brimming with talent and ready to play either as a wide forward or as a striker. But they must move fast if they are to secure his services.