Leicester transfers: Foxes target Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha

Leicester City reportedly want to sign a Sporting Lisbon midfielder. Yet Foxes of Leicester doubts the validity of the latest rumour concerning apparent transfer target Joao Palhinha.

Earlier in the week and previously to that, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers made it abundantly clear that the King Power club would not be making any signings this January, with the transfer window open. OK, that was hard to take for the Blue Army; that’s because fans can see another striker is probably necessary – and that was before Jamie Vardy was to undergo surgery. Now an attacking addition seems imperative.

Although, on Friday the gaffer made a u-turn on that statement. A forward-thinking midfield man is what Rodgers believes his side requires. That is not a bad assessment: Leicester are inundated with defensive choices in the middle, but have not got sufficient dangerous options. Now that Dennis Praet is injured, as well, Rodgers’ Recruitment department seems to be moving into gear.

Things to know about Leicester City transfer target Joao Palhinha

According to HITC, the Foxes want Joao Palhinha, yet he reportedly has a £53 million release clause. However, the Portuguese midfielder is actually a defensive midfielder so it is unlikely he will join until Hamza Choudhury is sold.

Upcoming game

Next up for Leicester is a switch to cup competition, the FA Cup to be exact. Traditionally the tournament is English football’s most prestigious, but in the last decade it has lost some of its sheen. Regardless, the east Midlands side has never lifted the famous trophy and the fan base is desperate to complete the domestic set. The Foxes meet Brentford in the Fourth Round at their Community Stadium on Sunday, at 2:30pm GMT.

In fact, in another peculiar move this extraordinary season, the Fifth Round has already been drawn. Rodgers’ men will play EPL team Brighton & Hove Albion or Blackpool, who are in the EFL Championship just like the Bees.