Leicester City ready to ‘break the bank’ in transfer battle for £21m striker

Leicester City have joined a hot transfer chase for Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis, according to reports in Greece.

Center forward Ioannidis, 24, has been linked with a big-money move this summer after scoring 23 times last season, by far the most prolific campaign of his career to date.

The links have come thick and fast, with reports that Bologna, Lille, Sporting Lisbon and Celtic, as well as Fulham and West Ham, have shown interest in the 11-times capped Greece international. Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town have looked to be at the forefront of the chase over the past fortnight or so, with claims of bids of around £19m and £21m rejected.

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Now new reports in Greece claim a new bid that would “shake the bank into the air” could tempt Panathinaikos to loosen their grip on the forward, who has been linked with Nottingham Forest before Steve Cooper’s time in charge there . And Leicester are said to be training if they can afford to do so this summer.

SDNA report: “Another Premier League club is targeting the Panathinaikos bomber and all that will entail. Leicester are carefully and thoroughly examining all the data on Ioannidis and whether it is possible to buy him in the current transfer window.

“It should be noted that the Foxes had a live taste of the Greek ace last season, personally checking his performances and saving his name in their diary.”

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