Leicester target English midfielder playing in Italy
In the latest round of transfer rumours this week, Leicester City have been one of many Premier League clubs watching Ronaldo Vieira.
The 22-year-old Ronaldo Vieira is one of four players Sampdoria are attempting to offload, alongside Omar Colley, Bartosz Bereszynski and Gaston Ramirez. Leicester City are said to be interested.
Sampdoria, who are incidentally managed by Claudio Ranieri, are targeting Premier League clubs in a bid to secure the best possible financial deal.
The Englishman joined the Italian side in 2018 from Leeds United for £6m, but according to Football Italia, I Blucerchiati are looking to sell the midfielder.
Alongside the Foxes, West Ham, Burnley, Southampton and Everton are monitoring the situation, with Leeds United reportedly ordering scouts to watch their former player. Vieira will cost around £9m if any clubs require his services.
During his time at Elland Road, he made 63 appearances followed a further 40 games in Serie A. However, since his arrival in Italian’s top division, he is yet to find the net. A worrying stat.
The Guinea Bissau-born, Portugal-raised midfielder was expected big things when he graduated from the Leeds academy under Garry Monk. A technically-gifted present in the midfield, he was often the shining light in United’s performances as they finished mid-table.
However, after Marcelo Bielsa arrived in Yorkshire, Vieira was sold to Sampdoria two days before their 3-0 thrashing of Stoke City in 2018.
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It has not gone incredibly well for the former-Benfica academy player in Italy, hence the possible exit from Stadio Luigi Ferraris. His zero goals and only one assist in Serie A in two seasons doesn’t scream exciting.
With Brendan Rodgers currently occupying five central midfielders (seven if Sidnei Tavares and Adrien Silva are included), all possess more impressing stats. Even Dennis Praet, who only scored once and provided two assists, seems to provide more attacking prowess.
However, Vieira is a more defensive-minded midfielder. With Wilfred Ndidi one of Leicester City’s most influential player’s and Nampalys Mendy signing a new contract the club, another defensive midfielder will not be on the top of their list.
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Chelsea’s signing of Ben Chilwell places left-back as number one priority for the Foxes recruitment team, alongside a winger to provide competition for Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray.