Leicester City ‘to target’ new centre-back amid £9m Souttar talks and striker search | OneFootball

Leicester City are firming up moves for a striker and exploring a centre-back addition as the new season looms, with Harry Souttar and Ben Nelson both attracting interest. Wide options are also being assessed.

Daily Mail reports that Dom Ballard is on Leicester’s radar after Lorent Tolaj joined Bristol City, and the Robins are also keen on the ex-Southampton forward, though any new offer is unclear.

Orient are expected to let Ballard leave if their valuation is met, previously believed to be around £5m, and he hit 23 League One goals last season.

Russell Martin’s side have played five friendlies, winning four and drawing one, and begin at Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup first round in less than two weeks. Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy have featured.

The same report says Leicester want Tottenham’s Malachi Hardy on loan after he impressed Roberto de Zerbi in pre-season, featuring in a 2-0 win over Auckland and signing a new deal.

Free agent Elijah Adebayo is another option. The 28-year-old left Luton Town this summer after 47 goals in 184 games and has been on trial at Bristol City, with no decision yet.

Plymouth’s Aribim Pepple is also under consideration in that report after scoring 16 League One goals last season, although Argyle are expected to drive a hard bargain.

Sheffield United want Souttar and Chris Wilder has said talks with Leicester are under way, and BBC Sport reported on Monday that discussions continue over a possible £6m-£9m deal.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk