Foxes of Leicester
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Three wingers that would take Leicester City to the next level

By Matt Taylor

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 08: Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur at the Johan Cruyff Arena on May 08, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 08: Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur at the Johan Cruyff Arena on May 08, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 15: Kylian Mbappe, Lucas Hernandez, and Florian Thauvin of France celebrate with the World Cup Trophy following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 15: Kylian Mbappe, Lucas Hernandez, and Florian Thauvin of France celebrate with the World Cup Trophy following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /

Florian Thauvin

After an emphatic campaign in the French top flight, which saw him score 16 goals in 33 league games, Florian Thauvin meets every requirement set out by Rodgers. Unfortunately, the only negative is that he allegedly rebuffed interest from the likes of Leicester and West Ham. Instead, the Frenchman is holding out for offers from clubs in the Champions League.

However, after recent losses to both Rangers and Accrington Stanley, the winger may become more desperate to depart Marseille as pre-season progresses.

Reports that Leicester City had launched a £28 million bid for the 26-year-old were quickly dismissed, but there is no smoke without fire.

With an average of two successful dribbles and 1.6 key passes per 90 minutes, stats via WhoScored, the ex-Newcastle United man is undoubtedly a creative inside forward who can make things happen out wide. Additionally, since rejoining Marseille on-loan then permanently, he has registered a whopping 52 goals in 114 league appearances.

Although the French international’s dismal spell at Newcastle casts question marks over his ability to adapt to English football, there are plenty of cases that have underwhelmed at St. James’ before impressing elsewhere in the Premier League. For example, both Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko came face to face in this year’s Champions League final.

The touted fee for the Orleans-born midfielder is around £40 million. Not bad for a player with 10 senior France caps and 24 goal contributions in 33 games this season.

If the Foxes can persuade Thauvin to come, he could be the last piece in the puzzle as City look to make a real statement in the upcoming Premier League campaign.