In a race to secure the signature of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho, Beşiktaş have emerged as the front-runner, overtaking other clubs vying for his services, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Leicester City star, who recently played a pivotal role in Nigeria's crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) decider, has reportedly garnered interest from various Premier League teams, including Everton, Burnley, and Nottingham Forest.
However, it is Beşiktaş who now hold the advantage in the pursuit of Iheanacho, as the Turkish giants have tabled an offer to Leicester City, according to reports from the Star.
With the striker's contract with the Foxes set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, Leicester City are open to offloading Iheanacho to generate funds before his deal runs its course.
Beşiktaş's proposal entails a year-long loan agreement covering the player's annual salary of two million euros. The club's search for a new striker has been amplified due to Cenk Tosun's injury, further enhancing Iheanacho's appeal to the Turkish outfit.
The 26-year-old forward is more inclined to leave Leicester City following the team's relegation, and Beşiktaş's offer has brought him closer to a potential move.
Iheanacho, Leicester City's Player of the Season, is Nigeria's highest-scoring player in FA Cup history with 18 goals.
In a recent display of his prowess, Iheanacho delivered a match-winning performance for the Super Eagles, scoring the third in a 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Monrovia. This triumph guaranteed Nigeria's qualification for the forthcoming AFCON tournament, set to be held in Ivory Coast next year.
