CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Steve Cooper the head coach / manager of Leicester City during the pre-season friendly match between Leicester City and Palermo at SMH Group Stadium on July 26, 2024 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Leicester City have been avidly searching for a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replacement ahead of the new season.
Steve Cooper still looks to be prioritising a midfield signing in order to plug the hole left by English midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, after he looked to join up with former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
Numerous players were targeted by Cooper such as the likes of former Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare, who was available on a free following the expiry of his contract at the Championship club, however he has since joined Sheffield United.
It was thought that Argentinian Matias Soule could have been utilised in Dewsbury-Hall’s role of providing an attacking threat in midfield, as well as being a threat on the wing, however any chances of a deal coming to fruition with the Juventus attacker are unlikely.
Cooper also identified a Champions League midfielder who has the stats to prove that he can make a significant impact at Premier League level, however a Serie A side have moved ahead of them in the race for his signature.
Leicester City target Matt O’Riley has third bid rejected from Atalanta
Leicester City were at one point in ‘pole position’ to secure the signature of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley this summer, despite interest from fellow Premier League sides Everton and Southampton.
However, Serie A outfit Atalanta are reportedly the most likely to strike a deal for the Danish international, despite a third bid of over £14m being rejected, per Gianluca DiMarzio.
The Celtic midfielder is one to keep an eye on after scoring 18 and assisting 13 in just 37 league appearances for Celtic, getting seven goal contributions in his last five matches.
He has also contributed three assists across six Champions League appearances during his time with the Scottish giants.
Leicester City’s ongoing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replacement search could be detrimental to plans
Cooper will certainly be aware that his pursuit for a Dewsbury-Hall replacement has went on longer than initially expected, something that could easily be affecting his pre-season plans ahead of the Premier League campaign.
O’Riley was initially correctly identified as a player capable of playing at Premier League standard, as well as providing a similar threat and style of play to what Dewsbury-Hall was able to do under Maresca last season.
A player of Dewsbury-Hall’s mould will be crucial for Cooper’s set-up, and being without one at this moment in time could have an affect on other players, such as Wilfred Ndidi, who rely on an attacking midfielder to play alongside.
Leicester City should be going all in for the signing of O’Riley, not only due to his qualities shown at the highest level, but the fact he will plug a crucial spot in the side that will make a significant difference and improvement to Cooper’s set-up.
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