Leicester City will agree to see midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for £25 million this summer should they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League, according to 90min.
The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for the Foxes this season, featuring in all-but-one of their 37 Championship fixtures. An immediate return to the top tier appeared to be a formality at one point as Enzo Maresca’s team steamed ahead at the top of the table. However, a recent run of one win in five has allowed Leeds United to take pole position, whilst Ipswich Town are hot on their heels in third.
There are now fears that the East Midlands-based outfit may have to settle for a place in the play-offs, with their promotion rivals showing no signs of easing up.
It’s been a rough week at the King Power Stadium. Off-the-field antics have dominated the newspaper headlines after being charged by the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules. It looks set to be a fight that rumbles on over the coming months and could have an impact on their summer transfer business.
Dewsbury-Hall is a player who holds value and there now appears to be an acceptance that Leicester may have to sell their key star at the end of the season. As a result, it is claimed that £25 million would be accepted should they remain in the Championship, although that will increase to £40 million if they achieve promotion.
Clubs are already beginning to circle, including Manchester United. The Red Devils are set for a summer of change following the part-takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could depart, leaving Erik ten Hag’s team in dire need of a proven midfielder.
As such, work has already begun ahead of their end-of-season recruitment, and it is said that the 20-time English champions have already approached Leicester to sound out a possible deal.
Other parties are also interested though. Brighton & Hove Albion remain keen after trying their luck in January, whilst Brentford could make a move. However, 90min state that the midfielder’s preference would be to join Tottenham Hotspur, where former teammate James Maddison is attempting to convince manager Ange Postecoglou to bring him to North London.
Although currently in second, Leicester still hold the advantage in the race for the Championship title, having played a game less than both Leeds and Ipswich.
Writer’s View
The Dewsbury-Hall saga is one that is set to rumble on throughout the summer. He is a player who looks destined to play at a higher level and will be keen to try his luck at European football. Despite that, he emerged through Leicester’s academy and is under contract until 2027, meaning the Foxes have every right to demand the fee they want.
Links to Manchester United are unsurprising. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Red Devils make a move, especially if a managerial change is made at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Head of Writing