Leicester scramble to find spending ban loophole for 'next Vardy' deal

LEICESTER hope Metz sensation Idrissa Gueye will be their new Jamie Vardy.

The Senegalese striker is wanted by the Foxes , who are keen to buy him but have come up with a plan to take him on loan first.

2 Leicester are looking for a Jamie Vardy replacement following the talisman's departure this summer Credit: Getty

2 Idrissa Gueye has drawn attention for his sudden impact in the French leagues Credit: Alamy

Leicester are not allowed to spend under their current restrictions - and are facing the potential prospect of a points deduction.

The Foxes were deemed to have fallen foul of profit and sustainability rules , which prompted the punitive measures.

However, Leicester are proposing to take Gueye on loan for the season with a guaranteed buy at around £13million next summer .

Metz will do a deal if there is a certain transfer or a loan fee as an alternative, but even that option needs to be passed by the authorities.

The plan will have to be approved by the EFL who have clamped down hard on Leicester for past offences - making it difficult for them to trade now.

The Foxes are desperately in need of firepower after club legend Vardy, who scored 200 goals in 500 appearances for the club, ended his 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium.

Gueye is a risky but high-potential option as the club looks for someone who can provide a goal threat while not requiring a large monetary contribution.

The 18-year-old broke through at the beginning of the year in Ligue 2.

His five goals in 17 appearances towards the end of the season helped the club earn promotion to the top tier of French football .

He is also already a Senegal international, and was an unused substitute during the nation's thumping of England at the City Ground in June.

If there is any club who can relate to bringing in a striker - unproven at the top level - and having them become a cult hero, then surely it is the Foxes.