Leicester City in £17m transfer claims as key replacement identified

Leicester City are 'very closely' monitoring Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont as a potential replacement for Kasper Schmeichel, according to reports.

The Foxes are without the Denmark international for the first time in 11 years after the 35-year-old sealed a move to French side OGC Nice last week on a three-year deal. However, the likelihood of City replacing Schmeichel seemed to be non-existent with Danny Ward starting in Sunday's Premier League opener.

Ward, who joined the Foxes in 2018 from Liverpool, had only previously appeared 18 times before Schmeichel's exit. However, he faces competition from Daniel Iversen as Brendan Rodgers' number one this season.

Now, according to reports from French outlet Media Foot, Nantes goalkeeper Lafont is 'extremely liked' by the recruitment team at City, with his performances in Ligue 1 for La Maison Jaune in the last year 'working in his favour' for a move away.

The report from France suggests the 23 year-old is being followed 'very closely' by the Foxes, despite the French side not holding any interest in selling their captain this summer. However, if a bid 'superior to €20m' was to be made, the report questions how Nantes could say no to City's potential offer.

Prior to City's 2-2 draw with Brentford, Rodgers provided an update on the goalkeeper situation at the King Power Stadium. "Danny Ward is an exceptional keeper,” he said. “I’ve always said we’ve got a number one keeper there. He’s had some issues around his knee but that looks to be behind him now, he’s been training well. He’s looked good. If Kasper is to go, he’s a big possibility for us.

“Daniel Iversen has been out on loan and shown he’s a very competent goalkeeper. At 25 years of age, he’s got experience, so he’s here.