Understanding ITKs after wild transfer claims: Leicester & Adebayo

It’s important for football fans longing for transfer news on their beloved clubs to understand the difference between verified journalism from high-end and trusted accounts and mid-level speculation from occasionally reputable journalists. Not to mention no-tier, 'In The Know' sources which are often merely fans, people who work at football stadiums and grounds and people who may have a friend or a family member who works at said football club.

Occasionally, funnily enough, the ITKs actually ascertain certain information before it is even leaked to reporters; if they have a source, a mate, an associate or an acquaintance embedded in a stadium like King Power, but it is rare. These ITKs have now gotten a little bit out of control, especially on X; there are still some accounts whom Foxes of Leicester trust, but recently one or two pieces of hearsay boiled down into nothing, or came from people potentially just wanting attention.

Leicester City fans' Elijah Adebayo false alarm

The main subject of this piece is Leicester City's interest in Elijah Adebayo; apparently the English striker was reportedly on the Foxes' shortlist of potential striker signings. Although after being connected with LCFC, Adebayo was also trialling for Bristol City in at least two matches, the most recent against Newcastle United, as per a Britol Live's Dan Carter (actual journalist).

A day or two ago, certain Leicester accounts, such as Leicester Fan TV and others, claimed that the centre forward was at LCFC's Seagrave Training Centre conducting media duties before being announced as a player. Yet he subsequently played against the Magpies for the Robins, as previously noted.

"The Robins made three changes shortly after the hour mark, when Jed Wallace, a trialist - who Bristol Live understands to be former Luton Town striker Elijah Adebayo - and Scott Twine replaced Cam Pring, Lorent Tolaj and Max Bird."

Bristol Live

What FoL attempt to do, is examine every piece of Leicester talk, analyse it for legitimacy and rank how realistic or plausible it is. Then, most importantly, outline how said player may fit Russell Martin's style of play as well as his system, where the footballer could start, or who he would be a backup for, alongside general tactical analysis and profiling of supposed target.

On this occasion it looks like Adebayo is not coming to Leicester, at least right now. Yet Liam Cullen could be coming through the Filbert Way door, as he has been strongly linked; some Leicester fans expect the Swansea City man, who played for Martin, to be announced any minute now!

But, again the ITKs are having a big say here, along with local news organisations (and better placed ones) beginning to claim that the Cullen deal is imminent too. So, just beware of ITKs; and know that this website tries to gauge whether rumours are feasible, and then whether or not players suit City.

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