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Liverpool are reported to be preparing a move to sign Leicester favourite Youri Tielemans amid claims the Belgian star has emerged as their No 1 target to replace Georginio Wijnaldum in their midfield.

Tielemans, 24, has been sensational for the Foxes ever since arriving from Monaco in January 2019. His first six months at the King Power Stadium were on loan before permanent terms were signed in July 2019. And the Belgium international has become a vital fixture in the side.

He has started 37 of 38 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals. And he has already enjoyed 108 outings in all competitions, finding the net on 17 occasions.

But there is much more to his game than just goals, with the former Anderlecht star registering four assists this term. Tielemans was already highly rated at the club and throughout European football.

But his stunning Wembley strike in the FA Cup final against Chelsea seems to have ramped up interest even further. His goal saw the East Midlanders lift the famous trophy for the first time in their history.

Indeed, reports in Belgian last week claimed he was the subject of interest from Liverpool.

Now Het Nieuwsblad claim Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has stepped up his pursuit for Tielemans. That comes following confirmation of Wijnaldum’s departure, with his next move now agreed.

Landing Tielemans of course will not come easy.

The talented midfielder is currently under contract until the summer of 2023. But it was reported back in April that the Leicester money men were keen to extend his deal.

They want to tie him down until 2025 and raise his release clause to £80m to protect their prized asset. With finances tight in the football world, that figure might just do the trick.

However, he is yet to sign that deal which leaves Leicester vulnerable to his sale. Furthermore, the player is said to be keen to play at the highest level. And with Leicester having narrowly missed out on a Champions League, Liverpool could be well placed to cash in.

Tielemans, it’s reported, is settled at Leicester. But the Flemish newspaper claims he would find an approach from Liverpool difficult to resist.

Bidding for Tielemans is likely to start at £40m.

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Leicester agree signing of Soumare

The news gets better for Liverpool too with Leicester said to have already secured his potential replacement in midfield.

That’s after Lille and the Foxes were reported to have reached a ‘total agreement’ which will see Boubakary Soumare move to the Premier League.

Soumare, 22, has been attracting a great deal of attention with his displays as Lille pipped PSG to the Ligue 1 title.

He has been a pivital figure in their engine room. However, with just 12 months left on his deal, the box-to-box midfielder was always expected to leave.

Now RMC Sports reports that a €25m deal to take him to Leicester has been reached. They report that a medical will take place in the East Midlands next week with the player due to sign shortly after.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds have been previously linked, but it seems the Foxes have won the race.

READ MORE: Edwards ready to offload 12 as Liverpool clear path for sparkling young duo

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