A cold Vard cash deal
RODGERS HOPEFUL OF SOLUTION TO KEEP TOP GUN JAMIE SIGNED UP AND FIGHTING FOR HIS FOXES
BRENDAN RODGERS says Leicester City are talking to Jamie Vardy about extending his contract.
The Foxes’ veteran goal-getter has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal but discussions are under way about keeping him at the King Power Stadium for an additional year.
Vardy, who turns 36 in the New Year, has been a part of the fixtures and fittings at the East Midlands club for the past decade. He remains one of the Premier League’s top goal poachers and Leicester’s boss said: “There’s talks going on behind the scenes but there’s nothing definite, as yet.
“We would love him to stay. He’s still going to influence games. Hopefully, between his representatives and the club we will find a solution.”
The former England international netted 17 times in 33 appearances last term – and Rodgers says there is no reason why he shouldn’t hit similar numbers this time out.
He added: “If Jamie remains fit and available then I don’t think he will be too far off that mark. If you look at the fitness tests he’s done, he still very fit. If you have a look at the goals he’s scored in preseason, he’s working hard.
“If you’d seen some of those matches – particularly the one at Preston – you’ll see the timing of his running remains. He’s still got that speed and sharpness to get away.
“It’s filling in the space around him to make sure there are people close enough to connect the game for him.
“But 25 yards out he’s a master finisher. When he arrives in those areas I’m pretty sure he will continue to score. He’s still got that sharpness and that speed.
“Until then he will time those runs and it’s up to us to service them. But his eyes light up when the competition starts.
“And I know if he stays fit, he will score goals.”
Rodgers is battling on a number of fronts to keep his stars at the King Power.
Chelsea have made a bid for defender Wesley Fofana, and Newcastle have been rebuffed in their attempt to prise James Maddison away from the King Power.
Over the three weeks remains before the transfer window closes – while there won’t be any interest in Harvey Barnes because of a knee injury – there is still the possibility that his squad could lose vital players.
Rodgers, however, backed his board to make the correct decisions, even if offers came in towards the end of August.
He said: “These players are not for sale. Certainly not our best assets.
“You don’t want to lose your top players. “And our board are very clever. They’re very strong on that. They’ve been outstanding in that aspect of the market. They will always ask me and I will always give a recommendation.
“But our owner wants to win. He wants the best team he can put on the field for himself and the supporters. That’s the mindset.
“I think it’s something that you’ve seen over a number of years that they shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
‘His eyes light up when the competition starts. And I know if he stays fit, he will score goals.’