According to The Mirror – Newcastle’s official media partner – Leicester City striker Islam Slimani is keen on a move to Newcastle this summer, but fears that he could be priced out of a move to St. James’ Park as Leicester look to recoup a significant amount of the £30m spent on him last summer.
After scoring 48 goals in 82 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, Leicester made the Algerian striker their club-record signing this time last year, however he went on to endure a difficult first season in England, bagging 7 goals in 23 starts.
His future has been cast into serious doubt with Kelechi Iheanacho looking set to join Leicester for £25m. Craig Shakespeare is believed open to offloading Slimani and Newcastle are said to be in the mix for his signature, however the fee looks set to be the big sticking point.
Slimani has just turned 29, and whilst you expect to pay a premium for strikers (especially given the inflated transfer fees thrown about these days), you would not expect Newcastle to go anywhere near the £30m Leicester paid for him less than 12 months ago.
The Mirror state Slimani would be keen on a move to Tyneside and hopes to stay in England – as he believes his aerial prowess is best suited to the top-flight – however this one really does looks unlikely unless Leicester significantly reduce their asking price.
Here’s him in action for The Foxes last season:
I don’t think there is any mileage in this report. Sounds like Leicester city made a boo boo paying so much. They are trying to offload without losing too much.
Leckbird(Quote)