Leicester face losing midfield starlet Wanya Marcal-Madivadua as Benfica and Inter Milan eye transfer

LEICESTER face a tug of war with Benfica and Inter Milan over midfield starlet Wanya Marcal-Madivadua.

Teenage midfielder Marcal-Madivadua moved to England with his Portuguese parents and the Foxes want him to sign a first professional deal.

But the 18-year-old, whose initial call-up by Portugal’s under-19 side was sidewinded by March’s pandemic outbreak and shutdown, is minded to go back to the continent.

Portuguese giants Benfica are at the head of the queue and keen to entice the youngster - who featured in Brendan Rodgers’ pre-season squad - back to his family homeland.

Inter, though, have also expressed an interest and Leicester may find it difficult to persuade Marcal-Madivadua that his future would be best-served by remaining in England.

Marcal-Madivadua has made the step up to Premier League 2 level this season with two appearances, although he is more commonly found playing for the Foxes' Under-18s.

Leicester are also sweating on the future of another hotshot, Sidnei Tavares.

SunSport understands Barcelona are preparing a stunning January move for the 19-year-old midfielder.

Tavares is out of contract in the summer.

If no deal can be agreed this month, Nou Camp bigwigs have a gentleman’s agreement with Leicester to be Tavares’ first-choice destination.

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The Portuguese teenager is the cousin of ex-Manchester United star Nani.

Leicester also face losing Demarai Gray, who has less than six months to run on his contract.

The 24-year-old winger has attracted interest from Southampton.