LEICESTER are on the verge of agreeing a £25million deal to sign Porto defender Ricardo Pereira, according to reports.
The Foxes are looking to boost the defensive quality in the squad after an inconsistent when they flirted with relegation before eventually finishing mid-table.
One of the areas they need to strengthen is at right-back, where Danny Simpson is the only recognised player available.
And according to the Telegraph, the man they want is Portugal international Pereira.
The 24-year-old has been watched by a string of Premier League sides over the past 18 months, but it appears Leicester have been quickest to make a move and strike a deal.
Pereira is understood to have a £33m release clause written into his contract, but the Foxes believe they can reach a compromise with a £25m fee with further add-ons built into the transfer.
The club are keen to get their business done as early as possible this summer in order to have their squad largely in place for the entire pre-season.
And Pereira himself is thought to have told his advisers that he wants his future resolved well before he reports for World Cup duty.
ONE MAUR GO Pochettino to commit for one more season at Spurs amid Chelsea interest
Portugal are due to meet up towards the end of next week to begin their training camp ahead of Russia 2018, and the player is keen to have a move completed by then so he can focus on the tournament.
Should he make the switch to the King Power Stadium, he would be a potential threat to the playing chances of Simpson, 31.
Most read in football
The Premier League winner has been established as the first-choice for several years, but recognises there is the need to provide cover in his position.
He said recently: “I am pretty much the only right back at the club so they have to bring one in.
“That sort of challenge either brings out the best in you or it doesn’t. It does for me.”
Leicester are set to discuss the future of manager Claude Puel in the coming week, with some concerns over his ability to get the best out of the squad after a frustrating season.
Leave a comment