Liverpool’s hopes for Fiorentina star boosted by Leicester spat

Leicester City’s hopes of landing Fiorentina star Josip Ilicic this summer may have suffered a major blow due to an on-going dispute between the two clubs, handing Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool the initiative in the race of the midfielder’s signature.

The Foxes have been linked with the Slovenian star for much of 2016, but the east Midlands club aren’t currently on good terms with the Serie A side.

The feud has grown after Leicester loaned Yohan Benalouane to the Violas on the final day of the January transfer window, only for injury to ensure the defender never featured for the Florence club.

Benalouane has now filed an appeal with Serie A over unpaid wages from Fiorentina, who refused to pay him during his stay in Italy, citing they were deceived over the level of the defender’s fitness.

All in all, it seems unlikely the Italian squad would now go and accept a bid from the Foxes for one of their top players.

Valued at just over £11m by transfermarkt.co.uk, Ilicic starred for FIorentina last season, grabbing 13 goals and six assists to attract a host of admirers from the Premier League.

But it’s Liverpool who are now believed to lead the way, with Tottenham also in the mix.

Leicester’s trump card, if they still have one, is Ilicic would be joining the Premier League champions, riding the crest of a wave.

Although the destination is unknown, reports suggest Ilicic is likely to be sold this summer, with Fiorentina under pressure to raise funds.

The future is unclear for Benalouane too, who is only one year into a four-year deal at Leicester, having signed for a reported £6m last August.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.