Leicester City of England have opened frenetic moves in a spirited bid to keep Ahmed Musa, following interest in the Super Eagles attacker by a horde of clubs in the English Premier League and across Europe.
Musa appeared close to a permanent exit from Leicester, after shinning on loan back at his former club, CSKA Moscow last season, but revitalised form from him at the World Cup restored his value, and The Foxes are now eager to keep him this summer.
However, Leicester’s move has further been accentuated by the impending exit of Riyard Mahrez from their fold, such that keeping their Nigerian star could be an ideal makeshift to cushion effects of losing the Algerian winger.
The report out of Queensland further reveals that Musa now has a lifeline to make an impression at Leicester, following the expected departure of Mahrez to Manchester City in the coming days.
Musa holds the honour of being the first and only Leicester player to have scored at the World Cup, with his brace for Nigeria in the 2-0 win over Iceland in Russia confirming a turnaround for the star, who had once been deemed surplus to requirements at the club.
A loan move to CSKA helped him discover his form and sharpness, such his great display for Nigeria at the World Cup has forced the club into a rethink regarding his possible sale.
Marseille and Galatasary plus English sides, Huddersfield, Brighton and the promoted duo of Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all been linked to him the last few days.
An unnamed team from Saudi Arabia failed with a big money bid for his services, same fate that a Chinese Super League team also suffered when they tried to lure him after his stellar showing for Nigeria at the World Cup.
Mahrez is expected to be sold to Premier League champions Manchester City and, instead investing the reported £60m they will get from his sale in a new player, Musa will get the chance to replace the Algerian in the plans of Claude Puel for next season.