Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho before the transfer window closes on Friday night. The Nigerian international has entered the final year of his contract with the Foxes and could be available for a reasonable fee.
According to Football Insider, Wolves have identified Iheanacho as one of their realistic targets to bolster their attacking options. The 26-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions for Leicester last season, forming a formidable partnership with Jamie Vardy.
However, his future at the King Power Stadium is uncertain, as he has not signed a new deal and could leave for free next summer. Leicester may be willing to cash in on him now, rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Wolves are in need of more firepower, as they have failed to score in their first three Premier League games under new manager Gary O’Neil. They have also sold Raul Jimenez to Manchester City and loaned out Fabio Silva to West Ham.
Iheanacho could be an ideal fit for Wolves, as he is familiar with the Midlands and has proven himself in the English top-flight. He has scored 42 goals and provided 28 assists in 196 Premier League appearances for Manchester City and Leicester.
However, convincing him to join Wolves may not be easy, as he is said to be happy at Leicester and keen to work under new boss Enzo Maresca. He has started four of Leicester’s five games this season, scoring once and assisting twice.
Iheanacho is also a close friend of his former boss and current rival, Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Nigeria. He may not want to upset him by joining Wolves, who are competing with his team for promotion.
Wolves will have to act fast if they want to sign Iheanacho, as the transfer deadline is at 11 pm on Friday night. They will also have to face competition from other clubs, who may be interested in the talented striker.