Sporting Lisbon and Portugal international midfielder Adrien Silva has confirmed in an interview with O Jogo that he will sign for the reigning Premier League Champions Leicester City. Silva has been with Sporting for last 15 years but now feels that the time is right to make his move.
Also Read: Premier League Matchweek 3 Round-up
According to Sky Sports, Leicester will sign Silva for a fee in close to £21million with Silva’s team-mate Islam Slimani also joining The Foxes this summer.
In an interview with O Jogo, Silva said: "Yes, I confirm this proposal. Leicester is very interesting and corresponds to my career goals.
"After the past 15 years at Sporting, this opportunity is something exceptional for me and can allow me to express and impose myself in another championship, and also to evolve in the Premier League, which is a stunning league.”
Leicester are hopeful of announcing the stunning £48million double deal before the end of summer transfer window. Silva’s £21m move is almost done but Sporting are keen to extract more money for their prolific striker Slimani.
Leicester mean business this season
The 27-year-old Silva was one of Portugal’s standout performers at Euro 2016 starting four matches including the final on their road to lifting the trophy. Silva impressed every major club around Europe with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly interested in signing him as well.
However, the reigning EPL champions are the first club to make an advance move for him after Claudio Ranieri lost N’Golo Kante’s services this season following his move to Chelsea. Ranieri needs ample cover to his squad given the added burden of Champions League football this season.
Also Read: Leicester eager to enjoy Champions League debut, says Vardy
The Foxes are expected to make a good case to retain their surprising league triumph last season after they have already signed some impressive players like Ahmed Musa, Nampalys Mendy, and Bartosz Kapustka.
However, with Silva and Slimani added to the King Power roaster Leicester could once again surprise us and possibly end the season with another league title.
Announcement in next 24 – 48 hours
According to Sky Sports sources, Leicester officials are in Portugal as we speak trying to get the deal done for both Silva and Slimani. Sporting have given up on keeping their star players it is now left to them to get the best price for the two players before they sign a deal with Leicester City.
Although no official word has been given on the deal but given the recent shift in balance, we expect Leicester to announce this £48m double deal before the end of summer transfer window.
