Sources: Leicester City in talks to sign Dai Cornell
Leicester City are in talks to sign former Preston goalkeeper Dai Cornell on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 35-year-old left Preston upon the expiry of his contract in June and has now been formally approached by Leicester about a move to the King Power Stadium.
This comes after Jakub Stolarczyk was ruled out through injury for the rest of the season after he suffered a cruciate ligament injury during the Foxes' win against Plymouth Argyle.
Leiecster have been forced to bring in a new goalkeeper as a result to keep their squad strong, with Franco Ravizzoli and Alex McCarthy their only other senior options on the books.
Meanwhile, Russell Martin has targeted Cornell as an option to add some experience and know-how into a Leicester squad which has been lacking leadership this season.
Cornell made eight Championship appearances for Preston last year, where he kept just one clean sheet and conceded 12 goals, but was reliable when called upon.
Why are Leicester interested in signing Dai Cornell?
Leicester's interest in Cornell comes off the back of what was a serious injury for Stolarczyk and a signficiant blow to Martin's squad and their ambitions for the season.
Despite a slow start, Leicester are still targeting a high league finish and promotion back to the Championship, and to be without their goalkeeper will have a major impact.
Cornell has been identified as an emergency option to lessen that impact, amid a belief he could step into the starting XI when called upon
It is currently unclear where Martin will view the goalkeeper's role, with McCarthy having started the win against Stockport County 4-3, but he did not look confident in net.
Cornell is likely to add experience and leadership to the goalkeeping unit, having struggled for regular football in recent years, rather than being a regular starter.
What is the latest on Russell Martin's future?
Leicester have endured a turbulent season since their relegation to League One, with issues piling up on and off the pitch, and Stolarczyk's injury is the latest issue.
Their form has remained inconsistent as a result, with a win against Stockport last time out seemingly easing the pressure on the manager.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 September that Martin is already facing sack calls after a miserable start to the season.
A 4-0 defeat at home against Oxford United led to intense scrutiny on the manager's position, with many losing patience, with just two wins from their first six League One games.
However, their recent victory may have bought the manager time, while off-field issues are currently taking precedent at the King Power.