Newcastle United 6/4 to sign Leicester City striker Islam Slimani
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Newcastle United could make a move for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani when the transfer window reopens, according to reports.
The Magpies are short of goals and see the Algerian as the answer to their relegation worries.
He’s currently 6/4 to join the St James’ Park outfit.
Slimani joined the Foxes from Sporting Lisbon in 2016 for a club record fee of £29m.
However, the 29-year-old has failed to make an impact in the East Midlands.
Claudio Ranieri, Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel have all opted against giving the 6ft 2in ace a consistent run of games.
In a year and a half at the King Power Stadium, the forward has featured just 32 times for the Foxes in the Premier League.
He has made 20 starts in all competitions, scoring 12 goals in total.
Now the player reportedly feels it is time to start afresh elsewhere.
While Newcastle are the favourites for his signature, several other top-flight clubs are also said to be interested in the forward.
West Bromwich Albion are priced at 7/2, with Stoke City and Watford at 4/1 and 5/2 respectively.
But it’s the Magpies who currently lead the way for the striker.
Rafael Benitez’s side have scored 16 goals so far this season but have found the net in just six times in their last nine matches.
The signing of Slimani would give the Magpies a focal point up-top.
His physical aerial presence is different to the threat currently offered by Dwight Gayle or Joselu.
His signature could also allow Benitez to tinker with different formations to best suit the beleaguered North East club.
The only question mark over the move surrounds the price.
Leicester will want to recoup a significant amount of the £29m they paid for the striker if he moves to St James’ Park.
A deal between the two clubs could depend on whether United’s rumoured takeover is completed by the end of the January window.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
