Newcastle United are now favourites to sign striker Islam Slimani in January after having made a tentative approach to Leicester City, reports the Leicester Mercury.
The 29-year-old striker was not even on the substitutes’ bench last night for the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City, despite being the top-scorer in the competition.
Puel has recently spoken of his difficulties having as many as six strikers in his first team, and could now be willing to let go Slimani to make space in his squad.
Slimani joined the Foxes as their club record signing in the summer of 2016 from Sporting Lisbon, however has struggled to make his impact on English football.
The Algerian managed to find the net only eight times in all competitions last season, and has now fallen out of the favour of new manager Claude Puel.
Should Newcastle wish to pursue the striker further, he is likely to cost upwards of £20 million with the Foxes looking to recoup most, if not all, of the £28 million paid for him last year.
While some of the Newcastle fans seem excited about the propsect of Slimani coming to St James Park, not all of them agree …
This would be an exciting signing – finally someone you don’t have to google! He would suit our 4-2-3-1 a treat too.
— Tino's fur coat (@TinosFurCoat) December 20, 2017
For ages I’ve thought this guy would be possibly best of attainable options. Could handle the pressure. Knows where the goal is!
— MacItSo (@MacItSo) December 20, 2017
Better than what we have, good record with Sporting Lisbon
— MLight (@Marklights_23) December 20, 2017
I'd take Slimani and Ings. Goals in them.
— Simon (@LittleHenryD) December 20, 2017
Yawn
— neilB ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ (@neilTheMagpie) December 20, 2017
Do u not thinks he too similar to mitro ?
— Donaldo (@DonaldoC09) December 20, 2017
quality signing if we can get him
— TOON BARMY (@Aggaz82) December 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/AlmasNav/status/943530412055388161
