Leicester City seek £18m transfer windfall as Middlesbrough circle | OneFootball

The Foxes are looking to offload Oliver Skipp and Stephy Mavididi in the remainder of the transfer window

Leicester City are looking to generate a significant transfer windfall from two of their most sought-after players, with Middlesbrough among the clubs monitoring Stephy Mavididi.

The Foxes are adjusting to life in League One following their extraordinary fall from the Premier League to the third tier in successive seasons, and manager Russell Martin has already acknowledged that further departures could be required as the club reshapes its squad.

Mavididi was left out of Leicester's squad for their League One meeting with Notts County earlier this month, despite having featured during pre-season, while Skipp returned to the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Burton Albion.

The midfielder's comeback was short-lived, however, as he was shown a straight red card after just 29 minutes.

Their absences have underlined the likelihood that both could leave before the transfer window closes.

Leicester's latest home defeat to Burton, meanwhile, has only highlighted the scale of the challenge facing Martin's side. The Foxes were booed off after a 2-1 loss to the Brewers.

Leicester City want £18m for Oliver Skipp and Stephy Mavididi

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According to Alan Nixon, Leicester are currently demanding £12 million for Skipp, while Mavididi is available for £6 million.

That would represent a potential £18m return from the pair, although the asking prices are understood to be proving difficult for interested clubs.

Leicester are also believed to be demanding £10m for Harry Souttar, suggesting the club is attempting to extract significant value from players who retain reputations built at a higher level.

Skipp, in particular, would be a major asset for a League One side, but his future has now become uncertain following the club's relegation.

Mavididi, meanwhile, remains one of Leicester's more obvious attacking threats and has previously demonstrated his ability to operate effectively at Championship level.

Middlesbrough interested in Stephy Mavididi transfer

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Following FLW’s exclusive reveal of Middlesbrough and Rangers’ interest in Mavididi, Nixon has reaffirmed that Boro are interested in Mavididi as they continue to assess attacking options.

The Championship club have reportedly considered a move for the winger, although they are also exploring loan alternatives.

One name on their radar is Ipswich Town's Jack Clarke, although he remains heavily involved with the Tractor Boys.

That could complicate Boro's pursuit of Mavididi, particularly with Leicester's £6m valuation representing a sizeable commitment.

Boro have also been warned against the ‘risky’ signing of the Foxes’ wide man.

Leicester City need to balance transfer fees with squad overhaul

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There is a perfectly understandable desire for Leicester to avoid selling valuable players cheaply after their extraordinary fall from the Premier League to League One.

But the club may ultimately have to temper their expectations if it wants to get unwanted players off the books quickly.

Mavididi and Skipp may not want to spend the season playing League One football, while Leicester themselves need clarity over the squad Martin will take forward.

Holding out for every last pound risks creating a situation where both parties lose: the player remains unsettled and the club carries a sizeable wage bill for someone who may not form part of its long-term plans.

Leicester's financial situation means maximising transfer income is important, but so too is putting together a coherent squad for a promotion campaign.

The Foxes cannot afford to let the pursuit of £18m become more important than the need to move on players who are unlikely to commit to the League One project.