Leicester in hurry to tie down star as Liverpool, Man Utd transfer hopes fade
One of Leicester City’s star attackers will soon sign a new contract to ward off interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, according to a report.
The Foxes got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start against Wolves on Saturday. Jamie Vardy scored the only goal of the game at the King Power, cleverly flicking home a Ricardo Pereira cross.
Leicester are looking to end their Champions League heartache after finishing fifth in the last two seasons.
One player who will be integral to their top four hunt is 23-year-old winger Harvey Barnes.
The Burnley-born attacker looked lively in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and is set for an exciting season.
And according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, he will soon put pen to paper on a major new deal.
It will see him remain with the Foxes until 2025, while also handing him a substantial pay rise.
Leicester have decided to reward Barnes for his growing importance to the side.
But that’s not the only motivation for their contract offer. The report claims that Liverpool are monitoring Barnes’ progress ahead of an offer in the future.
He is one of their options to replace either Mo Salah or Sadio Mane, should one of them secure a big money move to Real Madrid.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United are also known admirers.
Barnes came through the Leicester academy before making his debut in December 2016. His breakthrough season came in 2018/19, where he made 16 Premier League appearances after being recalled from a loan spell.
The player managed 13 goals in all competitions last term, before his season was ended by a knee injury in March.
Rodgers eyeing Coutinho reunion
Leicester have been linked with a move for former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who has endured a tough spell with Barcelona.
Brendan Rodgers was the man who signed him for Liverpool back in January 2013, and it seems the pair could be reunited at Leicester.
The Sunday Express claims that Leicester are interested, while the Reds have already pulled out of the race.
Jurgen Klopp has no interest in the Brazilian playmaker as he would no longer suit the system at Anfield.
Coutinho’s agent has offered him to Leicester, although they will face competition from West Ham and Wolves.
The attacking midfielder is willing to reduce his salary to aid his search for regular game time.
READ MORE: Rodgers hails ‘outstanding’ Leicester and outlines his target for the season
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