Leicester City sent Jamie Vardy transfer message as striker’s future explained
The latest transfer news from LeicestershireLive as the future of Jamie Vardy is under scrutiny again
Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy’s future at the club is in doubt as rumours of a departure continue.
Relegation to the Championship has left the Foxes with a number of players to please, and books to balance. That financial balancing act is the reason why former England star Carlton Palmer is backing the club to offload Vardy.
The former England striker who has netted 136 times for Leicester, is out of contract next summer, and the club are being tipped to get him off the wage bill and command a fee for him. The striker has already rejected a switch to Saudi Arabia, and it is thought Everton are very keen on his services.
Ex England midfielder, Palmer, believes it is the sensible decision. He told Football League World: “Everton are chasing Jamie Vardy, it would be a massive blow for Leicester to lose him as he’s been their talisman and their number nine. He’s been outstanding for them for so many seasons.
“I think dropping down to the Championship, he could score 20 goals next year for them, which would go a long way to helping them get promotion.
“I would think that Leicester would have to offload him due to his salary. I’m sure they don’t want to pay that salary in the Championship.”
What is the current situation?
Vardy does not need to be convinced of his role in Enzo Maresca’s Leicester City revolution with the striker relaxed about his future, the new manager has said.
Vardy has a year left on his deal at the King Power Stadium but interest from overseas has cast doubt over whether he will see it out. He has so far rejected a switch to Saudi Arabia, where Khaleej FC were one of a number of clubs eyeing him as a marquee signing as the Gulf state’s league looks to attract big names.
The number nine, so long City’s talisman, saw his importance dwindle in Brendan Rodgers’ final days after a long goal drought, but he came back to the fore under Dean Smith. Maresca is keen to keep him, and does not believe he needs to win over Vardy and explain why he should stay for a 12th season with the club.
“I’ve talked with Jamie a few times already,” Maresca said this week. “We didn’t talk about that (the offer from Saudi Arabia). But at the moment, he is our player and we are happy if he is going to stay. This is the only thing I can say.
“To be honest, I don’t think so (he needs convincing). I spoke with him a few times and he was relaxed. He did not have any worries about leaving, so I don’t think so.”
After five straight Premier League seasons scoring at least 15 goals, even as his downfall was predicted as he progressed through his 30s, Vardy only managed to find the net three times in the league last term. While he turns 37 in January, Maresca is not about to cast him aside.
“He is an unbelievable player,” the manager added. “Hopefully he can stay with us. This is the most important thing. He’s a main player. He will be an example for all of the team-mates, so we are very happy to have him.”
