Leicester line up January swoop for Serie A defender
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Having all-but completed the signing of Wilfred Ndidi from Genk, Leicester look set to continue their January transfer dealings. The reigning Premier League champions are reportedly set to snap up Sassuolo star Francesco Acerbi,
The 28-year-old has been a mainstay for the Serie A side over the last three seasons, helping the Modena club establish themselves in the top-flight.
Acerbi’s contract with the I Neroverdi runs until 2018, but it’s believed the two clubs have agreed a fee in the region of £8.5m.
That would be a tidy return for the Italians, having spent less than £3m on the centre-half three years ago from Genoa.
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has seen his side fail to replicate last season’s heroics, with defensive lapses a major cause for the Foxes’ struggles this season.
Acerbi comes with plenty of experience in Italy, a nation renowned for exemplary defensive nous.
The former AC Milan player provided a key role in helping Sassuolo boast the third-best defence in last season’s Serie A.
Wes Morgan and Robert Huth continue to provide the backbone of Leicester’s defence, but both men turn 33 next year.
So it appears Ranieri is looking for some fresher legs, and Acerbi is set to be that man.
The Foxes will be hoping to ease any relegation concerns on New Year’s Eve when they host West Ham.
And priced up as Evens favourites by the bookies, it seems the reigning champions are set to end a memorable 2016 on a high.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
