Forest and Ipswich Town are locked in a battle for the signature of Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho.
According to a British publication, Football Insider, both Premier League clubs have registered their interest in signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer since his contract at King Power expired last month.
They join other clubs—Aston Villa, Trabzonspor, and Galatasaray, among others—that have shown interest in the Super Eagles forward.
Iheanacho, who spent seven years at Leicester City after joining from Manchester City in 2017, saw his contract expire at the end of the 2023/24 season, but the 2016 Premier League champions were not interested in offering him a new deal, unlike his compatriot Wilfred Ndidi.
With the season less than a month away, the Nigerian is reportedly linked with several clubs.
“Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town are racing to sign Kelechi Iheanacho after he left Leicester City, sources have told Football Insider”, the website wrote.
“Iheanacho already has offers on the table from clubs in Greece and Turkey, but both Forest and Ipswich are hopeful of convincing him to stay in England.
“The clubs are now set to make formal contract proposals to the striker in the hope of winning the race for his signature”.
During his seven-year spell with the Foxes, Iheanacho made 232 appearances and scored 61 goals for the club.
PSG’s Osimhen pursuit stalls
The much-anticipated transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain has hit a roadblock, according to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Despite earlier reports of progress, Romano on Monday via X stated, “Negotiations between PSG and Napoli for Osimhen, not advancing after recent talks.”
The French champions have reportedly baulked at Napoli’s demands, with Romano stating that “PSG rejected to include Kang-in Lee in the deal and will not trigger release clause as Napoli wanted. Deal NOT happening under these conditions.”
This development comes as a surprise, given earlier reports from Tuttosport that Osimhen had agreed personal terms with PSG.
The Italian outlet claimed the 25-year-old had “shaken hands with the French giants on a five-year deal worth €14 million per season,” representing a significant increase from his current €10 million annual salary at Napoli.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, was reportedly in Paris earlier this week to negotiate terms. However, the stumbling block appears to be the transfer fee, with Napoli holding firm on the player’s €130 million release clause. PSG had reportedly considered offering €100 million plus a player to seal the deal.
Sky Sport Italia had earlier suggested that PSG proposed including players like Carlos Soler, Nordi Mukiele, or Lee Kang-in as part of the transfer package. However, Romano’s latest update indicates that PSG is unwilling to part with Lee Kang-in.
Despite the setback, Osimhen has maintained a professional attitude during Napoli’s pre-season training, impressing new coach Antonio Conte. However, the Nigerian striker is not believed to be in Conte’s plans for the upcoming season.
Romano further noted that PSG seems content with their current striking options, stating, “PSG also happy with Ramos & Kolo Muani”.
PSG plot move for Bruno Fernandes
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are also trying to sign Bruno Fernandes from Premier League side, Manchester United, to make up for the loss of Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe left the Parc des Princes as a free agent and has been officially unveiled by Real Madrid.
According to L’Equipe, PSG are now looking to improve their attacking firepower by luring Fernandes this summer.
Fernandes has been a key player for United since he joined the club from Sporting in the winter of 2020.
Despite his impressive numbers for the Red Devils, the Premier League club has struggled in recent years and the Portugal midfielder has been thinking about a move away from the club.
The Portuguese international has also been linked with clubs like Bayern Munich and Al-Nassr this summer.
