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Wesley Fofana: Leicester in talks to sign defender from St Etienne

Leicester's priority remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski

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French football expert Jonathan Johnson says Leicester must 'strike now' for Wesley Fofana as he will be a player in demand come next summer

Leicester are in talks with St Etienne over a deal for central defender Wesley Fofana.

The 19-year-old was left out of the St Etienne squad to play Nantes on Sunday evening, having previously been named by manager Claude Puel in the original larger group that travelled to Nantes.

Fofana, who made 24 appearances for St Etienne in a breakthrough campaign last year, has been vocal on social media of his desire to move to Leicester.

Brendan Rodgers
Image: Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his defensive options before the October 5 deadline

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to comment publicly on his interest in Fofana, but Sky Sports News has been told negotiations with the French club are progressing.

St Etienne originally wanted £25m for Fofana, significantly beyond what Leicester are willing to pay to bring him to the King Power Stadium.

A structured deal appears most likely, potentially starting with a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Leicester still want Tarkowski

Burnley defender James Tarkowski in action
Image: Burnley defender James Tarkowski is still a target for Leicester

Leicester's priority in the transfer market remains a centre-back and they have not given up on signing Burnley's James Tarkowski.

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Sky Sports News has been told that the two clubs have been in regular contact but remain apart on their valuations of the 27-year-old.

Rodgers wants to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on October 5 and has been interested in signing Tarkowski since Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United last summer.

West Ham are also keen to sign Tarkowski and have had three offers turned down by Burnley.

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