KELECHI IHEANACHO has told Leicester City he is ready to sign a new long-term deal this summer.
Thanks to the Brendan Rodgers factor.
The 24-year-old enters the final year of his current £60,000-a-week five-year-deal this summer and the Foxes want to tie their in-form hitman down on a lucrative new deal, following his recent outstanding form.
Iheanacho has been on fire, scoring seven goals in his last four games, including the crucial double against Manchester United which set up a Wembley FA Cup semi-final with Southampton.
That hasn’t gone unnoticed by rival clubs at home and abroad.
However SunSport can reveal the striker, who has been directly involved in 15 goals in 15 starts this season, has no desire to leave Leicester and is in it for the long haul as he looks to emerge as Jamie Vardy’s natural successor.
A source close to the striker says Iheanacho feels Brendan Rodgers has taken his game to a new level and is bringing out the very best in him.
And with the third-placed Foxes closing in on a Champions’ League qualifying place and FA Cup final, he feels he has a huge part to play in the club’s future.
One of the Nigerian’s close associates said: “He is happy at Leicester – that’s why he is playing so well.
“The future will take care of itself. Kelechi has another year on his contract but he believes the place where you play your best football – is the best place for you.
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“Of course there is always interest in good players, especially goalscorers. But he wants to focus on his current form with so much still to play for with Leicester.”
Rodgers’ re-emergence as one of the most coveted bosses in the country will play a huge factor in Iheanacho’s desire to commit his best years to the Foxes.
Our source said: “The manager has helped him achieve the levels he is reaching now and has shown great faith in him.
“He has given him the opportunity to play regularly and Kelechi wants to repay that faith.
“He is happy, he has a good manager and a fabulous new training ground which shows the level of ambition at Leicester. But right now he wants to focus on finishing this season strongly.”
Iheanacho currently earns £60k-a-week but could expect to bump that up to £90,000-a-week as Vardy’s long term successor.
With money tight throughout the game, the £25million the Foxes paid to sign the Nigerian from Manchester City in 2017, is beginning to look like a bargain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
