Leicester City face pressing striker call with Dom Ballard in frame after Tolaj miss | OneFootball

Leicester City’s striker search is coming to a head after receiving £20m from Abdul Fatawu’s move to Ipswich Town. With the opener at Notts County in less than three weeks and the window closing at the end of August, Russell Martin has so far added only Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy on frees.

Lorent Tolaj, an early candidate, has joined Bristol City for more than £4m plus add-ons, and, according to LeicestershireLive, a proposed move for 33-year-old Danny Ings will not happen.

Senior exits following relegation to League One have left the squad light, although academy talent has impressed. Riley Carr has featured in all three pre-season games on the right and shone, while Kirsten Otchere and Nathan Opoku have two goals each.

City could yet bring in eight to 10 players before deadline, with centre-back and right wing prioritised, but the centre-forward question remains. Sporting director James McCarron has earned credit for the Chaplin deal and the high-profile departures he has overseen.

After missing out on Tolaj, Dom Ballard looks an obvious solution. The former Southampton striker, who agreed new terms there while Martin was in charge, scored 23 for Leyton Orient last season at 21 and is understood to be available at around £5m.

Bristol City’s interest has not ended with Tolaj’s arrival. Orient boss Richie Wellens said the Robins fell short of their valuation for Ballard and sounded resigned to losing him.

It may come down to who blinks first. If Leicester, now bolstered by sales, meet Orient’s price, Bristol would have to react, and City could land their man. The risk is hesitation, which might see them miss out, raising fair questions over the plan up front, though Martin has said he remains positive about further additions after Burton and attention turns to the Spain trip.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk