Tielemans ‘gobbles up information’ from De Bruyne

LEICESTER City ace Youri Tielemans says he “gobbles up information” from Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne while on international duty together.

The Premier League pair are currently away with Belgium, with both playing their part in Wednesday’s 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory over Wales.

Tielemans has been a key player for the Foxes in their push for a Champions League spot this season.

And he is always looking at ways he can improve, taking the opportunity to pick up bits of information while with his country.

Asked if he seeks advice from De Bruyne, the 23-year-old told VoetbalKrant: “No, that’s not how I am.

“Kevin obviously has enormous qualities and I learn from it in training. He is one of the best midfielders in the world.

“I watch his movements as much as possible and when he talks, I listen. I try as much as possible to gobble up info.”

And Tielemans, left, is very clear on his ambitions for the rest of the campaign. Once he returns from playing with Belgium, the focus will be on securing

Champions League football with the Foxes.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are currently third in the table, one point behind second-placed Manchester United, five above Chelsea, in fourth, and seven clear of West Ham United, who sit fifth.

“The Champions League,” Tielamans said, when quizzed about his aims for the remaining weeks of the term. “We have been at the top from the start of the season. That is a statement we made as a club. We want to stay there now.”

LEICESTER City have made an offer to Olympic Marseille winger Florian Thauvin, left, ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in Europe.

The World Cup winner is out of contract with the French club at the end of the season, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, writes Aime Wilson.

City are one of the clubs said to be interested in the Frenchman this summer, with the winger a possible alternative to Cengiz Under.

And it now seems that the Foxes have made their move for the player by making an offer.

According to Estadio Deportivo, City have offered the 28-year-old a four-year deal with a salary of €3.5 million per season.

The report claims that the offer is the “last known” to be made to the player, although it is also claimed that teams including Napoli, Roma and Tottenham are “closely following developments”.

It is said that Thauvin has “not yet made a decision” on his future, with the player’s agent Bruno Stain giving an update on the winger’s preference in the summer.

“There is a significant risk that he will have to sign for a lower amount than what was offered to him in his club,” he said.

“The concept of the transfer bonus for a free player is a circus, it is spread over several years.

“I can tell you that I was in a big European club last week.

“Thauvin asks for an annual net salary of between 4 and 4.5 million euros and nobody wants to give it to him today.

“But yes, he has statistics (eight goals and seven assists in Ligue 1) and was penalised for his year in which he was almost injured all season.”

The winger did have an unsuccessful spell at Newcastle United, but brings Champions League experience which could serve City well should they qualify at the end of the season.