Reported today in various outlets is that Leicester City will sign two new centre-backs. Is there any truth to the rumours and which players?
In today’s Mail and Mirror there are strong reports linking Leicester City to two different centre-backs. First of all Filip Benkovic of Dinamo Zagreb is already having his medical, if speculation is to be believed. Secondly, as of Wednesday, Leicester are also connected to Caglar Soyuncu. Expect both defenders to fill in behind Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire, but in addition they are top prospects to eventually gain regular first team places.
Sky Sources: Leicester have a broad agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for defender Filip Benkovic, who is due to fly to England later today for further talks
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 7, 2018
It is no secret that Leicester City need to strengthen in the central-defensive position. Wes Morgan and Yohan Benalouane would heavily struggle as a partnership week in and week out. Benkovic is imposing at six-foot-four and a youthful 21-years-of-age. While Soyuncu is slightly smaller at six-one-and-a-bit and one-year older.
Caglar Soyuncu due to have medical today ahead of a move to Leicester
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) August 8, 2018
At the time of writing, Sky Sports News has accelerated information: stating the club is pushing through an apparent deal for both players.
SKY SOURCES: Leicester close to signing defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Filip Benkovic. #SSN pic.twitter.com/2Wv6loYOCr
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 8, 2018
Possibly the best news emerging from Leicester City experts and journalists privy to inside knowledge is: Harry Maguire is still not for sale. Both perspective transfers are not replacements for the Manchester United target.
#LCFC trying to sign both Benkovic and Soyuncu but understand that has no bearing on Harry Maguire to #MUFC. He's still not for sale.
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) August 8, 2018
Leicester City take on United in a challenging Premier League opener on Friday. The match is away at Old Trafford, just to make the occasion more interesting and difficult. A significant amount of dramatic irony surrounds the game: wanted man of United, Maguire, along with teammate Jamie Vardy are effectively ruled out by manager Claude Puel.
Although, the Red Devils have fielded England World Cup stars in friendlies and will most likely do so against the Midlands side. Mourinho should and hopefully will influence Puel to do the same. But will Maguire be in blue or red? Easy – blue; I expect he and Vardy to feature for the Foxes.
Earlier in the week the Foxes reportedly had a £15m bid rejected for Brentford defender Chris Mepham. Today’s news leaves the futures of certain City defenders further in doubt. Expect departures before 5pm Thursday.