Ranieri wants reunion with Slimani
Claudio Ranieri, the new Fulham manager, is ready to move for Leicester City’s record signing, Islam Slimani, next month.
Ranieri is lining up a loan deal for Slimani as he targets signings to boost the club’s hopes of Premier League survival.
Slimani, the Algeria international, is on loan at Fenerbahce but has scored only one league goal and the Turkish club are prepared to cut the deal short next month.
Ranieri signed Slimani for about £29million in August 2016 when he was the Leicester manager. He is now exploring a deal to bring him to Craven Cottage for the rest of the season.
It is understood Leicester will allow Slimani to join another club on loan next month if they can agree a deal with Fenerbahce.
Leicester are also set to release long-serving midfielder Andy King, with Championship promotion contenders West Bromwich Albion registering an interest.
King is keen to move on after being left out of Claude Puel’s 25-man league squad.
West Brom are considering a move for the Wales international, while there is also interest from other Championship clubs.
Adrien Silva, Leicester’s £22million signing, could also leave the King Power Stadium on loan after struggling for games under Puel.
Silva has not started a league match for Leicester since their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Aug 10.
Puel has admitted players are expected to leave in the new year and said: “We need to reduce the squad a little because we need to give some game time for players and motivation in the squad to keep the good mentality and the positive attitude all the time.
“It will not be a busy transfer window because we have a squad with a lot of players.”