Leicester City are reportedly planning ambitious moves for Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron and former Foxes midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the upcoming January transfer window.
New Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is keen to strengthen his squad as they languish in 17th place in the Premier League, with just 14 points from 16 games.
The Foxes have struggled across the pitch, conceding 99 shots on target this season – the third-most in the league – with 74 of those coming in Van Nistelrooy’s first three games. Defensive reinforcements are essential, but the squad requires improvement in almost every department.
Midfield Void and Dewsbury-Hall’s Potential Return
In midfield, Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks have underwhelmed, while Abdul Fatawu’s season-ending injury has left a gap on the flanks. Former Leicester star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, now at Chelsea, has been linked with a return to the King Power Stadium.
Enzo Maresca took Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge last summer after leaving Leicester to manage Chelsea.
However, the £30m signing has found it difficult to secure regular minutes in the Premier League, with most of his appearances coming in the Europa Conference League.
Without a league start and only five substitute appearances, the English midfielder could be loaned out in January.
According to The Mirror, Leicester are exploring a loan move for Dewsbury-Hall, who has also been linked with Arsenal.
A temporary return to Leicester could benefit all parties, providing the midfielder with regular game time while giving the Foxes a much-needed boost in midfield.
Maresca, however, remains supportive of Dewsbury-Hall’s long-term prospects at Chelsea. Speaking about the midfielder, he said:
“Kiernan was, at Leicester, the most important player. He moved to Chelsea to be one other player. You have to accept that. Probably at the beginning, you struggle to accept that. Now it’s getting better. Me as a manager, I am very happy with Kiernan, no doubt.
“But for sure for him, he has to continue to work, wait for the chance and take it, in the way he is doing in the Conference League. He is doing OK.”
While Chelsea are open to offers for Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka, high wages could complicate any loan deal, with the London club likely needing to contribute to salaries.
Leicester in the Race for Almiron
In addition to Dewsbury-Hall, Leicester are also eyeing Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan has struggled for game time this season, with Newcastle reportedly looking to move him on in January.
According to The Sun, Leicester face competition from Crystal Palace, Wolves, Stuttgart, and Marseille, while MLS side Charlotte FC, managed by former Leicester boss Dean Smith, are also monitoring the situation.
Almiron’s previous success in MLS with Atlanta United could make a move stateside appealing, but Leicester will hope to offer the 29-year-old a chance to reignite his Premier League career.
Interest in Juma Bah
Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest Leicester are also targeting Real Valladolid’s young defender Juma Bah. Strengthening their backline is critical for the Foxes, who have struggled defensively all season.
The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Van Nistelrooy to reshape his squad and steer Leicester away from the relegation zone. Moves for Almiron and Dewsbury-Hall, along with defensive reinforcements, could prove vital as the Foxes aim to secure their Premier League status.
