Russell Martin says Leicester move for Ilari Kangasniemi is close after European interest | OneFootball

Russell Martin said Leicester are pushing to sign Inter Turku defender Ilari Kangasniemi. The head coach was speaking after Tuesday’s defeat to Ipswich Town.

LeicesterMercury.co.uk reports that the 19-year-old is expected to arrive for around €2.5m (£2.1m), which would set a Finnish top-flight record, surpassing Teemu Pukki’s 2011 move to FC Schalke. He would be Martin’s 10th summer addition.

Centre-back is a problem area following Ben Nelson’s ACL injury, with full-backs Luke Thomas and Bade Aluko deployed in the middle at Portman Road.

Martin described the deal as really close, saying he expects it to get done and hopes it will be completed very soon.

He added that Leicester had beaten significant interest from across Europe and that Kangasniemi turned down Europa League and Champions League clubs closer to home because he wants to be at Leicester.

Martin said he is excited to work with the teenager and believes the defender will fit the way his side play, while acknowledging the squad still needs more experience to support a youthful group.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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