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Leicester consider transfer bid for Africa Cup of Nations star Boubakar Kouyate after stand-out showings for Mali

BOUBAKAR KOUYATE could earn a Prem switch after his top Africa Cup of Nations performances — with Leicester watching him.

The powerful Metz star, 24, is a stand-out for Mali and could be available on a loan-to-buy basis, but ideally a £16million sale.

Kouyate has impressed with his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations
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Kouyate has impressed with his performances at the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: Getty

Kouyate’s stats make him the best defender in French football which has caught the eye of Foxes chief Brendan Rodgers and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard.

Rodgers would prefer a loan just now but French club Lyon are also keen, so City must move quickly as Metz prepare for his exit.

Leicester have also been pushing for Angers striker and ex-Everton youth product Mohamed-Ali Cho, 18, who could come back to England.

Southampton are also watching him.

Meanwhile in other Leicester news, Erling Haaland has labelled Jamie Vardy the 'best striker in the world' at getting in behind defences and revealed he watches the Leicester hero's game to improve.

The Borussia Dortmund striker told : "I've been, not studying, but watching a lot of players.

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"Let's take an example: the running in behind the centre-back when the No10 has the ball.

"You maybe have the best in the world at that in Jamie Vardy, I've been looking a lot at him on exactly this.

"That's how I am, I've always been watching a lot of football. I still do.

"When we play on Saturday, I go home and on Sunday I watch football all day. I've always liked football a lot."

Vardy and Co currently sit 10th in the Premier League table with seven wins from their 20 games so far this season.

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