Fofana is left out amid talks on deal

TALKS between Leicester City and Saint-Etienne over a deal for Wesley Fofana are said to be progressing after the centre-back’s absence from the French club’s latest fixture, writes Jordan Blackwell.

Negotiations have taken steps forward, Sky Sports report, with City now focusing their attention on a centre-back signing after the arrival of winger Cengiz Under on loan from Roma.

Fofana has made no secret of his desire to move to City, with the centre-back revealing his hopes of a switch in an interview with French press last week, before dropping multiple unsubtle hints on social media.

Speculation surrounding a potential transfer ramped up on Sunday when Fofana was left out of the Saint-Etienne squad for their Ligue 1 fixture against Nantes.

Fofana had played 90 minutes in the previous three games, helping them keep clean sheets in each to go top of the table, but watched from the sidelines as they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 on Sunday.

Pictures emerged of Fofana with an ice pack on his left knee, and his manager, former City boss Claude Puel, said afterwards that he did indeed have an injury.

“Wesley had pain in his knee and in the sequence of games it was difficult. So he was not fit tonight.” Puel said.

Asked if Fofana’s desire to leave had anything to do with his absence, Puel replied: “No.”

The French media are reporting City have made a €29 million (£26.5 million) offer, but another report claims City are unwilling to pay the £25 million fee being demanded by Saint-Etienne.