Rodgers is keen to keep Tielemans at Foxes
BRENDAN RODGERS hailed Youri Tielemans as one of Europe’s top midfielders as Leicester City seek to tie the Belgian international to a new deal. Tielemans will be a key figure for the Foxes as they try to kickstart their Europa League campaign against Spartak Moscow this afternoon. The 24-year-old produced an inspirational performance to help Rodgers’ side beat Manchester United 4-2 in last Saturday’s pulsating Premier League clash. Yet the big issue for Leicester is their star’s contract, which runs out at the end of next season. If Leicester have still not agreed new terms with Tielemans — who was linked with Barcelona in reports in Spain yesterday — they will be under serious pressure to sell next summer, or risk losing him on a free 12 months later.
Former Celtic boss Rodgers did not offer an update on the current position but believes he can take Tielemans’ game to a new level if he remains at the King Power Stadium. He said: ‘There will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract but I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player. That’s my only focus. ‘He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders.
‘He is integral to our game and he is a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.’ Leicester are expected to field a strong side in Russia after taking only one point from their opening two games, although Ayoze Perez has not travelled due to illness. Kick-off: 3.30pm, Spartak Stadium. TV: LIVE BT Sport 2. Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (Greece).