Aston Villa boosted in bid to sign Kelechi Iheanacho – sources
Aston Villa have been given encouragement in their bid to sign Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho, sources have told Football Insider.
Iheanacho has rejected a fresh attempt by the Foxes to extend his current deal, which is set to expire in June this year.
The Nigerian international is now set to leave Leicester on a free after helping them claim the Championship title this season.
There is lots of interest from various Premier League clubs and top sides across Europe in signing the 27-year-old this summer.
Villa have registered their interest and are firmly in the race to secure his signature.
Kelechi Ineanacho could sign for Aston Villa this summer
There have been plenty of ups and downs for Iheanacho since joining Leicester from Manchester City in 2017, having lifted the FA Cup in 2021 before being relegated last season.
It was viewed by many at the King Power as a huge bonus when he decided to stick around and help the club get back to the Premier League last summer.
But it hasn’t been his most memorable campaign with the Foxes under Enzo Maresca after scoring just six goals in 26 appearances.
It’s been a largely frustrating past few months for the Nigerian after seeing his minutes in the side significantly reduced, with his most recent start coming back in December last year.
Iheanacho is now set on bringing his time at Leicester to an end, opening up the opportunity for a new manager to try and get the best out of him.
Unai Emery, who is widely regarded for his man-management skills, could be the ideal fit to unlock the undoubted potential the forward has shown over the past few years.
The Villa boss will be looking to add some quality to his squad this summer, while a free transfer for Iheanacho would appeal due to the relatively low-risk involved in any potential deal.
In other news, Aston Villa sensation expected to join Bundesliga club.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.