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Rumour Reel: Champions Leicester look to Sporting’s Slimani for forward boost

| 24.05.2016
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Lee Gormley | May 24, 2016

Coral’s rumour reel

The rumour mill is already in full swing following the end of a thrilling Premier League season and, with the transfer window soon opening wide once again, there are plenty of intriguing gossip circulating regarding big-money movers.

Foxes hunting Sporting’s Slimani

After an incredible campaign in which they secured the top-flight title, Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes are on the hunt for a boost in their attacking ranks, with England international Jamie Vardy having been the key frontman this term.

Portuguese League Football - Sporting Vs V. Setbal - Lisbon

Top of the Italian boss’ wishlist is reportedly Sporting Lisbon marksman Islam Slimani, with the champions possibly having to fork over up to €30m for the talented Algeria international finisher, a fee which his current coach Jorge Jesus believes is “nothing” for his quality.

“I would like for Slimani to stay. This area is for the president. The coach also has a say, and [the Sporting president] knows my opinion,” said Jesus. “At present, 30 million for a player like Slimani is nothing.”

The Algerian attacker is believed to have a €30m (£23.25m) buy-out clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and is does not expire until 2020, but Leicester may face competition for his signature from the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham, with Slimani having netted 32 times for club and country this term.

West Brom out to bag Clark

With Aston Villa having dropped down to the Championship after a disastrous campaign in the top tier, West Bromwich Albion are aiming to snap up one of their Birmingham rivals’ key players for next season.

Watford v Aston Villa - Barclays Premier League - Vicarage Road

In a bid to bolster his defensive outfit, Baggies boss Tony Pulis will reportedly attempt to secure the signing of Republic of Ireland centre half Ciaran Clark, who will likely be heading to France for Euro 2016 this summer with Martin O’Neill’s Boys in Green.

London-born defender Clark would likely hope to remain in the top flight to help prolong his international career, rather than contesting in the Championship with Villa, and the Baggies missed out on him last year when initially extending his stay in the West Midlands.

Although, Pulis will be keen to renew his interest ahead of next season and could swoop to trigger the Ireland centre back’s supposed £5m release clause.

Lukaku back to the Bridge?

Elsewhere, in the capital, Chelsea may soon be reuniting themselves with a former youth star, with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku linked with a sensational return to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Czech Republic Soccer Super Cup

The towering Belgium international bulldozer recently claimed he wanted to play Champions League football, something the Blues have missed out on for next term, but the 23-year-old now seems to be keen on a comeback.

After Roberto Martinez’s exit from Goodison Park, Lukaku is believed to be eyeing a return to his old employers in a deal which could be worth an incredible £65m, despite departing Chelsea in 2014 after just one Premier League start in three years.

Related

With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.

Have a gander at our extensive Euro 2016 section too before the big kick-off.

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Author

Lee Gormley

Lee joined the Coral team in 2014 after studying at Leeds Trinity University, having moved across the water from Ireland, and has plenty of industry experience from his time with various news outlets in both England and Northern Ireland. After graduating with a BA Honours degree in Sports Journalism, he has since become an important member of the talented sports desk, passionately covering boxing, football and snooker, among many other sports. Lee is also a massive Manchester United and Republic of Ireland fan, but curbs any bias during his work, and outside of his job can be found regularly taking part in sport himself, such as boxing, GAA and football.