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Leicester set to sign a goalkeeper that Russell Martin rates

Norwich City v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship
Norwich City v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship | Matt Watson/GettyImages

King Power Stadium's revolving doors are currently in full swing, with an ever-changing squad complexion. A boat load of senior professionals and young footballers have already exited Filbert Way ahead of a new regime under latest Foxes gaffer Russell Martin and his new backroom staff.

Only club legend, Andy King, remains after a clear out of the LCFC coaches who it is fair to say thoroughly failed the East Midlands team. Recruits are yet to arrive, however, Conor Chaplin is an almost certain arrival at Leicester soon enough.

​Trustworthy reporter John Percy, from broadsheet outlet The Telegraph, confirmed Chaplin is to join imminently; following weeks of close speculation. In addition to the former Ipswich Town and Portsmouth man coming to Leicestershire, another signing is reportedly on the horizon too.

Ex-Southampton, West Ham United and Liverpool striker Danny Ings, formerly of England as well, is the man next expected at City. The centre forward's experience and natural goalscoring could be ideal for Martin during a challenging campaign.

Alex McCarthy set to sign for Leicester City

​The goalkeeper department is another area which needs strengthening, and another one-time Saint is set to strengthen it. The individual in question is none other than Alex McCarthy, a vastly experienced shot-stopper with a long history in the English leagues and the top flight.

Having spent the last decade of his professional career within the Southampton setup, McCarthy is a player with whom Russell Martin is already intimately familiar. The former's pedigree, forged through years of testing himself against England's most lethal attackers, should provide a level of stability that Leicester currently lacks.

While Polish 'keeper Jakub Stolarczyk remains well-regarded at the LE2 club, his occasional awkwardness under pressure might perhaps have encouraged the new manager to seek reliable competition. McCarthy is expected to operate primarily as a back-up, yet his reputation for being confident with the ball at his feet makes him a quintessential Martin-style goalie.

This technical comfort allows for the precise, measured build-up play that the new boss demands from his sides. Should Stolarczyk fail to adapt to these stringent tactical requirements, McCarthy seemingly possesses the requisite poise to step into the fray and challenge for the No.1 jersey.

​It is a sensible, pragmatic move that bridges the gap between the team's current defensive frailties and the ambitious brand of football forecast. By bolstering the ranks with such seasoned professionals, Martin is clearly signalling that his rebuild is more about character than entertainment.

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