Super Eagles and Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has rejected a new deal from the club amidst interest from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old striker has been subjected to just ten league starts in the EFL Championships this season, with Enzo Maresca preferring Zambian Patson Daka to lead the line for the Foxes.
Iheanacho, alongside Wilfred Ndidi, are at the tail end of their Leicester City career as their contract runs out in June 2024. While the defensive midfielder has set sights on a move to a Premier League top-six side, Iheanacho isn’t keen on extending his stay at the King Power Stadium.
According to Football Insider, the highest-scoring African in the history of the FA Cup was offered an improved deal with a weekly wage of £65,000, but the Nigerian striker rejected the offer.
‘‘He (Iheanacho) has been offered a new deal but not prepared to sign. But we will wait till the end of the season and see,’’ the report stated.
Several reasons might have sparked Iheanacho’s reaction, with the absence of playing time at the forefront. According to Football Fancast, Aston Villa are interested in bringing the 2021 FA Cup winner to Villa Park as a backup for Ollie Watkins.
The Villains have enjoyed a great season under Unai Emery and have their eyes locked on a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. Should Iheanacho join Villa, he would have the luxury of playing alongside skilled players like Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby.
Aston Villa view Iheanacho as an experienced Premier League forward, representing a summer bargain that could make all the difference next season at Villa Park.
In 10 starts for Leicester, Iheanacho found the back of the net five times and created one goal, averaging a goal involvement every two games.
The Foxes have secured a return to the English Premier League after relegating on the last matchday in the previous season.