The Athletic vs The Telegraph: conflicting news over Vardy's Leicester future

Two of the most trustworthy sources in the football media, The Athletic and The Telegraph, seem to have contradicted one another with regard to Leicester talisman Jamie Vardy. Conflicting news emerged from both outlets in midweek, specifically concerning Vardy's Foxes future. Which typically reliable reporter covering the east Midlands club is right, Rob Tanner or John Percy? You decide. In addition to that, Foxes of Leicester report on the story doing the rounds regarding Leicester City Football Club Academy graduate Luke Thomas. The leftback is tipped to leave King Power Stadium this summer.

Before we begin, let's just say that FoL respect both The Athletic and The Telegraph. Not to mention the two journalists seemingly always being correct when they make an assertion about our beloved LCFC. Obviously we also consider them and their views consistently honest and respectable. Hence our decision to write this very piece. That being said, let's get down to it.

First of all, Vardy is now the elder statesman on Filbert Way. Indeed, he's paid the cost to be the boss, as it were. There should, and probably will be, a statue of Vardy somewhere within the King Power complex, as it will become in the coming years. A true club legend which future strikers will struggle to emulate or surpass.

You may be aware that the veteran Fox, now 37, is nearing the end of his existing contract with the Leicestershire outfit. Ordinarily, somebody who's banged in 16 Championship goals in a solid campaign would receive a new deal immediately. Yet there are question marks with respect to the former England international's tenure as LCFC's leading man.

Vardy might perhaps join the United States' Major League Soccer division, and will no doubt have invitations to go elsewhere as well. So sports writers are predictably predicting, along with asking their sources, what is next for the ageing but impactful footballer.

To that end, John Percy of The Telegraph and The Athletic's Rob Tanner gave their insights and forecasts this week. According to Percy, "[The] Foxes’ greatest signing seems sure to leave at the end of the season but is determined to carry on playing and will not be short of suitors".

Meanwhile, Tanner said this, "Leicester City are expected to hold talks with Jamie Vardy over a new contract if and when promotion to the Premier League is confirmed." Clearly those claims seem to be at odds, although there may be one glaring reason for the confusion: the Premier League angle. Maybe Vardy only wants to stay if a return to the top-flight is guaranteed. Imagine one more year of 'Vards' in the EPL! I do think it'd be nice for the Blue Army to be given clarity on this matter as soon as possible, though.

Luke Thomas's Leicester City status - report

Thomas is another Leicester player with an expiring agreement. He is set to leave when the current season ends, if this article is accurate. I'd say that is probably the best outcome for all.