Mbodji’s Leicester transfer takes a twist with just under 48 hours to go

With less than two days until the January transfer window slams shut, Premier League managers will be hoping that any prospective deals run smoothly. But that’s not the case at Leicester.

The reigning champions have been lining up a deal for Anderlecht’s Kara Mbodji.

And although some back and forth had taken place over the clubs’ differing valuations on the defender, it appeared a deal could still be made in time.

But the Senegalese has thrown a spanner in the works.

According to reports today, the 27-year-old is refusing to return to Anderlecht from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, in protest at the Belgian club’s reluctance to sell him.

Leicester have already had bids of £7.5m and £8.5m turned down by the Jupiler League outfit, who are holding out for nearer £13m.

So it remains to be seen exactly how Mbodji’s latest antics play out.

The midfielder began his career with his native Diambars, before joining Norwegian side Tromso in 2010.

Two and a half years of impressive football in Lapland saw Mbodji move to Genk for £1.3m at the end of 2012.

The switch to Belgium proved seamless, and Kara’s performances persuaded Anderlecht to splash out £2.5m in the summer of 2015.

Also capable as a defensive midfielder, it’s likely Mbodji’s primary objective would be to succeed the ageing Wes Morgan and Robert Huth.

And Foxes are also keen on tying up a deal for Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez before 23:00pm arrives on Tuesday.

Leicester are in Premier League action this week, as they head to Burnley.

We make it 7/5 Ranieri’s men finally land their first away league win of the season at Turf Moor.

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