Iheanacho replacement? Leicester City join the race to sign Chelsea’s target

Before his remarkable resurgence this year, Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanachi had struggled in the Midlands, and the Foxes are already planning to mitigate against a recurrence

Leicester City are interested in signing Zambia international striker Patson Daka who plays his club football in Austria for Red Bull Salzburg.

The prolific forward has been the subject of interest of many clubs, including European champions Chelsea and Premier League rivals Liverpool after a fantastic season in the just concluded league campaign.

Daka contributed 34 goals (27 goals, seven assists) in 28 Bundesliga matches to rank high on the shopping list of many top sides across the continent.

With an estimated market value of $24 million, the 22-year-old has now caught the attention of Leicester, who are keen to bolster their attacking options.

With Jamie Vardy finally slowing down after many years at the top level, Kelechi Iheanacho this term showed he is ready to step into the veteran English forward’s shoes as the Foxes main centre-forward.

There are no indications that Leicester City are planning to sell Iheanacho this summer.

The Nigerian striker only signed an extension to his contract with the Foxes two months ago.

But, as per a report by the Daily Express, manager Brendan Rodgers is keen on bringing Daka to the King Power Stadium to support his attackers.

Despite Iheanacho netting 12 Premier League goals this campaign, his boss is not convinced that the Super Eagles star is the long-term successor to Vardy.

Iheanacho managed six league goals in two years for Leicester City before his resurgence in 2021.

It would, however, not be an easy assignment for any striker brought in by Leicester City to displace the former Manchester City star from the Foxes’ first eleven.

Iheanacho was Leicester’s top goalscorer in the 2020-2021 season with 19 goals in all competitions, two more than Vardy.