Long-term Leicester target Wesley Fofana is close to sealing a permanent move to Brendan Rodgers’ side in a deal worth up to €40million.

The 19-year-old French prodigy is seen as a future star and a key prospect for Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne. According to the Guardian, a deal is close after the two sides agreed the fee, which includes significant add-ons.

The same source indicates that St. Etienne were mulling over whether to retain the player for another season in the hope his market value would rise, but have instead opted to cash in.

He is set to become Brendan Rodgers’ second defensive reinforcement to be brought in over the summer after Leicester signed Belgian international Timothy Castagne.

Sky Sports [Transfer Centre, 30/09/2020, 12:03pm] have indicated that Fofana will undergo a medical in Germany today as he completes the formalities of his move. He is unable to travel to the UK currently due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, hence his medical tests taking place outside of the country.

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Fofana and his entourage will then travel to Leicester to complete the details of his contract, but personal terms are not understood to be a likely problem.

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The hefty fee commanded by St. Etienne represents a major show of faith by the Foxes’ board in both Rodgers and the player’s own ability.

Fofana is clearly seen as a future star, given his young age. His physicality, ability to win duels and capabilities in playing out from the back have rendered Fofana as a formidable talent of French football.

Leicester fans should be excited – in Fofana the Foxes will have an accomplished defensive presence that holds mouth-watering potential to improve further.