There are now less than two weeks until the transfer window closes, as Enzo Maresca looks to conclude his re-build of the Leicester City squad.
There has so far been six new arrivals in the transfer window. Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Callum Doyle, Mads Hermansen, Stephy Mavididi and Cesare Casadei have all arrived at the King Power Stadium, the latter making a goalscoring impression on his debut against Cardiff City at the weekend.
Casadei may not be the last new face at the club between now and the end of the window. City have been linked with other players, with a new winger one of the positions targeted.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is a name who has been linked, with the Crystal Palace man potentially available on loan. He was an unused substitute for the Eagles first Premier League game of the season vs Sheffield United last weekend.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said he ‘hopes’ Rak-Sakyi will stay with the Eagles this season, despite loan interest from a number of Championship clubs.
“We like Jes – we’re happy to have him back. We like what we see in training. As a coach, I am in no hurry to ask him to leave to go on loan,” he said via London News online.
“One hopes that will be the case, but these matters with young players can be complicated because they have their own feelings about getting match minutes. They also have agents who are suggesting to them that the next move in their career needs to be another loan.
“It’s a constant matter for discussion. We, the coaching staff, are happy to have him and happy to be working with him. Who knows? Let’s hope he stays with us rather than go on loan.”
Chelsea boost
One thing that could persuade Hodgson to change his mind is the decision of Michael Olise to stay at the club. The winger looked to be closing in on a move to Chelsea after they triggered a release clause in his contact.
He however opted to instead extend his stay at Selhurst Park. That decision could potentially free up Rak-Sakyi to leave the club on loan before the end of transfer window.
Who else are interested?
Sunderland have been added to the teams who are said to be interested in the winger this summer, according to Alan Nixon. Ipswich Town, City, Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City are the other teams reported to be attempting to land the player before the end of the transfer window.
What Maresca has said
While not specifically addressing the links to Rak-Sakyi, Maresca has outlined his ideal winger for his system.
“It’s quite clear that in our idea, wingers are very important,” Maresca said. “Most of the time we put them in situations one versus one.
“We are looking for wingers who are good in one-v-ones, wingers who like to stay wide and not come inside, because in our idea, our wingers have to be wide, not inside. (Stephy) Mavididi is one of those players. He was one of our targets.”
Loan move talks
Leicester City have opened talks with Crystal Palace over a loan for exciting winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, according to reports.
After signing Stephy Mavididi to play on the left flank City are now in need of a new signing for the right-hand side and Rak-Sakyi could be that man after a terrific campaign with Charlton last term.