Leicester City hopeful over three deadline-day signings as they bid to strengthen spine
Transfer latest on deadline day as Manchester City's Divine Mukasa, Newcastle United's Jamaal Lascelles and Southampton's Joe Aribo are all targeted for late arrivals
Leicester City are optimistic over three deadline-day deals in a late dash to strengthen the spine of the team.
City are hoping to bring in Manchester City’s Divine Mukasa, Southampton’s Joe Aribo and Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles all before the 7pm cut-off.
No signings have yet arrived in the winter window, but with injuries and exits leaving City short in a number of positions, they’re working to add a few new faces to the squad.
Interim boss Andy King confirmed the interest in Mukasa over the weekend and he looks like coming in on a loan deal to rival Bobby De Cordova-Reid for the number 10 position while Aaron Ramsey is out injured.
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He’s been a regular provider of goals and assists at Under-21 level for Man City, while has also played six times for Pep Guardiola’s senior side this season.
While predominantly an attacking midfielder, Mukasa can also play up front, and so would potentially be competition for Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka.
Aribo also looks set to arrive on loan. A midfield all-arounder, the Nigeria international would likely compete with Louis Page for the number eight position while Jordan James is sidelined.
While integral to the Saints promotion two seasons ago and a regular last term, Aribo hasn’t had much of a chance this campaign, playing just seven times.
Lascelles would offer plenty of experience at the back, where City are short on numbers following Wout Faes’ loan to Monaco and Jannik Vestergaard’s latest injury.
The 32-year-old would be returning to the Midlands on what looks set to be a permanent deal, having been born in Derby and having come through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.
Highly rated for his qualities at defending the box and with his leadership, the concerns will be over his fitness, with Lascelles having played just 19 minutes of senior competitive football over the past two seasons.
Further deals are not ruled out, with City linked with a move for former number one Mads Hermansen and with doubts over Harry Winks’ future, but the three aforementioned deals are the club’s priority as the 7pm deadline approaches.
