Leicester in talks to sign 21-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder Walace from Gremio
Claudio Ranieri is on his way to finally replacing N'Golo Kante after Walace's agent arrives in the UK to thrash out a deal
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LEICESTER CITY have opened negotiations with 21-year-old defensive midfielder Walace Souza Silva as they finally look to replace the departed N'Golo Kante.
According to reports in his native Brazil, the Foxes are prepared to pay £10million for the player if he makes the switch in January.
Walace, who is currently plying his trade in his home nation of Brazil with Gemio, scooped an Olympic gold medal this summer.
The player's agent is already on British soil with a view to thrashing out the deal the moment the window opens.
But the young international has spent his entire career to date in Brazil so questions will be asked about whether or not Walace could adapt to life in the Premier League.
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Claudio Ranieri is thought to be confident of luring Walace to the Premier League with the promise of Champions League football in February.
Walace is not to be confused with the Chelsea loanee Wallace, who also plays for Gremio.
Although Leicester have struggled to find the league form which earned them the title last season their ruthless performance against Manchester City on Saturday suggests they may be on the rise again.
Even Jamie Vardy ended a 741 minute Premier League goal drought to score a hat-trick and take full advantage of City’s first half capitulation to win 4-2.
Leicester have clearly missed the services of now Chelsea midfielder Kante since he left for London in the summer but it looks like Ranieri's Christmas wishes may finally be answered.