Leicester City’s fall from grace has felt like a slow-motion collision between two immovable objects. But, more recently, the impact has become deafening. Burdened by the grim spectre of Profit and Sustainability breaches and the fallout from Marti Cifuentes' sacking, the East Midlands club feels almost entirely rudderless. This afternoon at the King Power, the nightmare deepened.
In a display of defensive fragility that defied logic, the Foxes trudged into the tunnel at half-time trailing 2-0 to Charlton Athletic of all teams. After Caleb Okoli's pitiful early red card, goals from Sonny Carey and Lyndon Dykes (who City supposedly coveted of late) left the home faithful in a state of stunned silence. Witnessing their side crumble against a team they should, on paper, dominate was too much. Though amid this on-pitch wreckage - a glimmer of speculative hope has emerged.
Leicester City chasing Manchester United starlet Jack Fletcher amid the chaos at King Power Stadium
Reports suggest the LE2 outfit are in fact leading the chase for Manchester United "wonderkid" Jack Fletcher. The 18-year-old midfielder, who is son of United legend Darren Fletcher, is a young athlete of immense technical poise. He recently tasted senior football under the lights at Old Trafford roo.
For a Leicester side devoid of a creative spark, metal in the middle and currently managed by caretaker Andy King, Fletcher’s arrival would provide a desperate injection of youthful energy. Is a loan viable? Given Leicester’s financial handcuffs, a temporary deal for a hungry teenager is perhaps the only realistic path forward.
"Leicester City are leading the race to sign Man Utd wonderkid Jack Fletcher on loan, with several other Championship clubs also interested. The technically gifted midfielder is seen as a future star and a loan move is viewed as the next step for his development. Leicester's need for midfield creativity has strengthened their resolve to secure his signature."Sports Boom (Friday)
While United are wary of sending their most promising assets into a toxic environment, the promise of immediate, high-pressure minutes makes this a credible claim (yet low tier). Whether one youngster can steady a sinking ship remains to be seen. Although, for the Foxes, Fletcher represents a rare chance to change the narrative before the window slams shut.