Leicester City manager Russell Martin insists the club are exploring permanent options only as they look to strengthen their defence before the end of the transfer window.
The Foxes are one of the heavy favourites to win the League One title this season, although suffered a stark wake-up call on the opening day when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Notts County last Saturday at Meadow Lane. A 61st minute strike from Jayden Joseph had put the visitors in front, but a defensive mix-up allowed Conor Grant to net an equaliser nine minutes from time.
It was a result which highlighted exactly where the 2016 Premier League champions need to strengthen in the coming weeks. An array of incomings have arrived at the King Power Stadium throughout the summer, although the centre-back area is one position that has so far been lacking.
Leicester ‘Exploring’ Options
Leicester will be looking for their first league win of the campaign tomorrow when they entertain Burton Albion. Harry Souttar and Caleb Okoli remain the only senior centre-backs within the squad though, leaving the East Midlands-based outfit scrambling for reinforcements.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Martin admitted that there are some irons in the fire, although nothing is imminent:
“We have a couple in mind and that we’re exploring right now. I don’t think any are imminent, but I think we’re really happy with the options we have and really comfortable where it’s at.
“It’s something that will change before the end of the window, but I couldn’t tell you when. Not because I don’t want to tell you, I just don’t know.”
Permanent Over Loan
Although they are now operating in England’s third tier, Leicester do remain an attractive proposition. As such, Martin is prioritising a permanent deal over a temporary one:
“With regards to other loans, only if they can help us in a different way, otherwise we’re going to try and get our players and build something for the short term and long-term.
“I don’t think that’d be loans. Centre-half is a really difficult position to go and get a young player on loan, it’s really difficult. Because then you’ll be looking at a Premier League club probably, they’re going to be young, probably not going to have experienced what they’re going to experience in League One very much. So it’s a very different challenge to what they’ve been asked to do regularly.
“So I think if we can do it permanently, we will.”
Who Could Leicester Target?
Rangers and Scotland defender John Souttar has been consistently linked with a move to Leicester in recent weeks. This has been fuelled by the 29-year-old not featuring in any of their Scottish Premiership games thus far, whilst he was left out of the Europa Conference League squad altogether.
Championship outfit Swansea City are also said to be keen, but it is claimed that the Foxes ‘are in pole position’ for his signature.
Manchester City youngster Kian Noble has also been touted as an option. However, Martin’s latest comments suggest that this is unlikely, with any potential deal with the teenager likely to be a loan.
