Iheanacho rejects Leicester contract extension

Iheanacho rejects Leicester contract extension
... As Aston Villa shows interest in him

Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is said to have rejected a new contract offer from the Foxes just as Aston Villa is hoping to sign the former Manchester City forward, reports www.sportsunlimited.ng.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa wants to acquire the 27-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.

Iheanacho has had a surprisingly mediocre campaign as part of Leicester’s Championship promotion winning campaign, having netted just five goals in 22 appearances.

As per the report, the Foxes have offered the former Man City player a new contract but the Nigerian international is thought to have rejected it; the player wants to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of the season.

Aston Villa’s pursuit of additional attacking firepower to support main man Ollie Watkins has intensified, with Jhon Duran currently filling the role as backup.

Iheanacho, who has seen limited action under Enzo Maresca since the start of the year, faced absences due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

This scarcity of opportunities for Iheanacho contrasts with his earlier prominence.

Meanwhile, Villa’s successful acquisition of Tielemans from Leicester City last summer has proven fruitful, with the midfielder steadily finding his form under Unai Emery’s guidance, nearing his 50th appearance for the club despite a sluggish start to his Villa Park career.

If Aston Villa does secure Champions League qualification then it will need as much depth as it can possibly get. Emery and those in power at Villa Park should learn from the experiences at Newcastle United this term.