Atletico Madrid 'main contenders' for Leicester City transfer amid contract decision

Caglar Soyuncu has “emerged as a target” for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

The Leicester City centre-half made 28 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, as the Foxes finished eighth. However, the Turkish defender was named among the substitutes for the club’s last five games, following both Wesley Fofana and Jonny Evans’ returns to fitness.

Soyuncu endured difficult spells during the season as Leicester fell short of the European spots. However, with 12 months left on his contract at the King Power, the defender has been linked with a possible move in the summer transfer window.

The Daily Mail has reported that Atletico Madrid are the “main contenders” to sign the 26-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to the club’s city rivals Real Madrid It is suggested that Diego Simeone’s side have tracked the centre-half for four years, since his time at Freiburg.

However, several other clubs have also been credited with an interest, including Juventus and Barcelona, as well as fellow English sides Chesea and Manchester United. It is claimed that Brendan Rodgers ’ recent decision to leave Soyuncu out of his starting XI resulted in “fuelling suggestions that he will be allowed to leave”.

The report continued by stating that Leicester are “not in a strong negotiating position” because of the defender’s contract situation, meaning the club may look to cash in rather than risk losing Soyuncu on a free transfer next summer. However, the Turkey international spoke positively of his prospects at the club, when asked about his future in March.

“Everything is going well right now. I'm happy to be playing,” he said. “I am happy to play in the Premier League. I want to stay in England as