Contradicting reports on Leicester's pursuit of Yaser Asprilla

Steve Cooper has explicitly stated Leicester City are in for forward options to finish off the transfer window. Of course, with the rumoured loan move for Tom Cannon and injuries for Jamie Vardy, a player who can perform upfront to compete with Patson Daka would be a beneficial addition. However, they must not be solely a striker in my opinion, as Daka and Vardy should make up the primary options.

Watford’s Yaser Asprilla is a 20-year-old exciting talent. Capable of playing on the right and in the centre. Although not entirely clinical at this time - that comes with experience - he does offer an explosive and technically excellent repertoire, and as such is of interest to multiple clubs. Supposedly including the King Power side and Rennes in France.

Leicester City’s contradictory rumours

Although we can never ascertain the level of accuracy of any transfer rumour, what we can say is that the lack of agreement amongst the rumour mill is either a positive sign for the Foxes, or a major negative in their pursuit. After all, we have already lost or been priced out of other moves Cooper wanted to bring in.

There is some discussion that Rennes have agreed a £25m deal to take the youngster to France. In this case, it would be another blow to the Welshman’s plans for reinforcements and halt any hope for Cannon to get a loan move for additional game time. The English Premier League team has failed to sign additional players since confirming the permanent transfer of Abdul Fatawu nearly three weeks ago now. With pre-season almost over, it is too late to get good time with a new permanent signing.

However, it could also be the case that Leicester are nearing a deal for around £21m for the player. This one suggests that the King Power side are in talks with the player’s agent around personal terms, and that they have won the race to sign the player unless they fail to agree terms. In this case, Cooper gets his man, Cannon goes on loan, and Asprilla joins Leicester City as the starting striker against Tottenham Hotspurs.

This is a difficult situation to unpack. Completely opposing rumours, completely opposing claims, and little clarity. That being said, we can take away that personal terms are not agreed with the player by either club, and that the Foxes maintain a close battle for the signature, looking to spend around £20-25m on a new signing. The Colombian is definitely on the move, but to the Premier League or the Ligue 1, who knows.