Habib Diallo helped Metz get promoted to the French top flight (Getty Images)
According to Leicestershire Live, Premier League side Leicester City are targeting Metz striker Habib Diallo.
The Senegalese finisher has enjoyed rare individual success unlike his Ligue 1 side, who have been struggling to avoid relegation in the French top-flight. Despite Metz lying 15th in the league table, Diallo has had a fine season in front of goal, attracting interest from the Foxes.
Having scored 12 goals from his 26 league appearances, Diallo has now been valued around £18million, with City’s rivals Newcastle United, Watford, and Tottenham Hotspur all interested in signing him. With the 24-year-old emerging as one of the top players in his side, it is no big wonder that he was handed the captain’s armband 13 times this season by manager Vincent Hognon.
He was crucial to Metz’ promotion into the top-flight, after scoring a whopping 26 goals from 37 games, helping them win the Ligue 2 title last season. To date, he has featured 111 times for the French side and has 48 goals and 14 assists to his name.
A consistent goal-scorer, Diallo has now impressed Leicester, who are in need of a future replacement for their star striker Jamie Vardy. The Foxes, meanwhile, have enjoyed a successful campaign this year under Brendan Rodgers – thanks to Vardy’s great form in front of the goal.
The veteran Englishman has scored 19 times in the league this season, helping them climb to an impressive third in the league. However, he is 33 already and Leicester need to search for options if they wish to stay at the top in the coming days.
They have young Nigerian finisher Kelechi Iheanacho as back up. However, he has not been always consistent. Despite joining them in 2017, Iheanacho has failed to establish himself as the side’s first-choice man, forcing Leicester to look for better options.
Hence, Diallo, who has let his numbers do the talking in recent days, would be a good replacement for star man Vardy. Having proved his mettle in the last couple of years, Diallo looks like an excellent fit at the King Power Stadium.
Diallo’s figures are a testament to his talent and potential. A true fighter, he played a vital role in helping Metz earn promotion last season. In Diallo, Leicester will have an excellent future replacement for their own fighter and veteran forward, Vardy. Moreover, he is still young and could develop his game even more under the guidance of Rodgers if a move happens.
