The EFL transfer window draws to a close in under two weeks, leaving a number of clubs like Leicester City scrambling to finalise their squads before the deadline. For the Foxes, no position is more urgently in need of attention than centre back, where one serious injury and potential departures have created a pressing shortage.
Russell Martin has already made decent additions across several areas of the pitch, including at left back where Christian McFarlane arrived on loan from Manchester City. Yet it is in central defence that the gaps remain most conspicuous at King Power Stadium.
Martin has openly confirmed that the East Midlanders are actively working to bring in further recruits, though he noted no deals (whether incoming or outgoing) were on the brink of completion when he last spoke to the media. All the same, according to the latest updates from the Leicester boss and local journalists, there is every likelihood that further new faces will arrive in LE2 before the summer window slams shut.
What will concern the Blue Army (as Leicester's supporters are collectively known) most of all, is that as many as three centre halves could leave through the door this month. First in line for discussion are Caleb Okoli and Wout Faes, two players who have never really won over the fan base at the best of times.
To say the faithful are not convinced by either defender would be putting it extremely mildly, and their departures would even be met with cheers from the stands. Even so, if either the Belgian or the Italian is sold, suitable replacements must be brought in without delay.
What's likely to occur at Leicester City
The biggest blow to the team's defensive structure would be the loss of Harry Souttar, though a fee in the region of £10 million from Sheffield United would represent a significant windfall for the club on Filbert Way. The Blades have already had multiple bids turned down, however, and will need to improve their proposals if they hope to make any real progress.
A report from Leicester Mercury indicates up to three new CBs could be signed should any of the aforementioned defenders leave the club. Standing out as the apparent prime target on City's shortlist is John Souttar, who would of course be a familiar name and a direct successor to his own brother in the City squad.
"Harry Souttar has drawn rejected bids from Sheffield United and they are not expected to have given up. If he is sold near the £10m mark, up to three centre-backs might arrive. Rangers’ John Souttar has been linked all summer, he has not featured in their squads and could leave before the deadline. "OneFootball via Leicester Mercury
The Rangers man has been strongly linked all summer, having been left out of their matchday squads and widely tipped to move on before the deadline. Elsewhere Louis Page has drawn admiring glances from Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal, meaning further movement is possible in midfield too.
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