Leicester City’s winter recruitment drive has reached a critical juncture. LCFC boss Marti Cifuentes wishes to ignite the team's stuttering promotion charge. With a goalscoring void left due to Jamie Vardy’s departure, the Foxes have turned their gaze toward two different solutions: a prolific wildcard option from the Allsvenskan, along with a proven Championship hitman.
Two Leicester City targets
The most advanced of these pursuits reportedly involves GAIS striker Ibrahim Diabate. Reports from Sweden suggest Leicester have 'reached an agreement in principle' with the Allsvenskan side for the Ivorian striker who set the Swedish top flight alight with 18 goals last term. However, it was roughly a week ago when that situation supposedly gathered pace.
The proposed deal, valued at approximately £2million, is understood to be either a permanent transfer or a loan-to-buy arrangement. It appears that the two organisations have found common ground, but the final hurdle apparently remains as Cifuentes himself. The Catalonian is acutely aware of the so-called 'fitness gap' facing those involved in Swedish leagues. Their season concluded in November due to the climate.
This means Diabate has been inactive for two months. Unfortunately the King Power club currently sit 13th. Desperation for an immediate impact signing is palpable. Cifuentes has himself alluded to the fact that he is considering whether the 26-year-old can adapt to the demands of the English Football League.
"It’s always a difficult one, the January window, because there’s adaptation to the Championship. Scandinavian players would be coming now from one-and-a-half months of holiday. That’s something I’m very aware of."Marti Cifuentes, via LCFC Live
Conversely, the pursuit of Joel Piroe is all but over, according to reports. In spite of basically being unneeded at Leeds United, the Dutchman has reportedly declined the advances of C'ship sides Leicester and Middlesbrough. Supposed 'sources close to the player' claim Piroe shall hold out for Premier League opportunities; or a return to PSV Eindhoven.
City supporters won't be best pleased about being rejected by a secondary choice. Although, Diabate apparently remains a real possibility.