Iranian star linked with City move

LEICESTER City have been linked with a move for Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

The AZ Alkmaar winger is the star player of the Iranian team knocked out at the group stage at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old, who can play across the front three, began his career in his homeland with Damash Tehran before a stint with Damash Geh. He moved to Europe in 2013 when he signed for Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen for a reported 250,000 euros on a three-year deal.

He was runner up to former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay for the Eredivisie Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2014/15 season ahead of a 1.8m euros move to AZ on a fiveyear contract.

After scoring three goals in his first season, he added 10, plus nine assists, in 29 league games in 2016/17. It was last year when he really hit his stride, scoring 21 goals in 33 games to make him the top scorer in Holland. He also added 12 assists.

As well as City, West Ham, Brighton and Napoli are also said to be keen.

Considering his form of last season, Jahanbahsh would not come cheap.

A fee of £22 million has been reported, but that could prove to be a bargain, with City having money to spend after selling Mahrez to Manchester City.

Alkmaar are said to be keen to cash in, but say they are yet to receive a bid.