Hunt for a centre-half hots up
NEW DEFENDER IS PRIORITY FOR RODGERS AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF CREATIVE PLAYER I think there’ll be movement. In particular, we need a centre-half, there’s no getting away from that
LEICESTER City will turn their full attention to signing a centre-back following the arrival of winger Cengiz Under.
Coming into the window, City had two priorities: bringing in central defensive reinforcement and a creative player, with a full-back also needed after Ben Chilwell left for Chelsea.
With Timothy Castagne and Under now through the door, the latter arriving from Roma on a loan-with-a-view-to-buy deal on Sunday, signing a centre-back is now the focus.
City have not strengthened their ranks in the heart of the defence since Harry Maguire’s exit, and while they chased Burnley’s James Tarkowski last summer, they have been involved in a very public pursuit of Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana this time.
So far, the French club and their boss Claude Puel are holding firm in their stance that Fofana is not for sale.
After City’s 4-2 win over Burnley on Sunday, boss Brendan Rodgers was asked about the club’s transfer plans.
“I think there’ll be movement over the course of this period,” he said.
“In particular, we need a centre-half, there’s no getting away from that.
“I’ll be delighted when Jonny Evans is back fit and available because he’s a huge player for us.
“Whichever way it pans out for us, I’m really excited about developing this team again, and making us as competitive as we can be.”
Doubts over the City future of Demarai Gray has prompted suggestions that City’s attacking recruitment won’t end with Under. Gray has been told that while there is a place for him in the squad, he is unlikely to be a starter, and so may leave in the hope of finding more regular first-team football.
The 24-year-old did not make the bench for either of the two opening fixtures.
If Gray left, City may feel they need another wideman to complement
Under, Harvey Barnes,
Marc Albrighton and
Ayoze Perez, particularly with the latter more effective in a central role.