Timothy Castagne (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Leicester City are in advanced talks to sign Atalanta star Timothy Castagne ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that the Belgian has just one more year left on his contract with the Serie A outfit and could be available in a £22m deal. However, the Foxes would face competition as Premier League rivals Tottenham are also interested in signing the versatile full-back.
Born in Belgium, Castagne came through the youth ranks of RE Vitron and Genk and went on to make 99 appearances with the former club’s senior set-up. After three years with Genk’s first-team, he was signed by Atalanta in the summer of 2017.
Since then, he has established himself as an integral member of the squad and has made 96 appearances for the Italian outfit to date, scoring 8 goals and providing 10 assists in the process. The Belgian has been in sensational form since his arrival in Italy and has gone from strength to strength.
Though he struggled with injuries earlier in the 2019/20 campaign, he managed to make 33 appearances last season and also helped his side reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
At the moment, two right-backs are available at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal. Ricardo Pereira has been in sensational form since his arrival in the summer of 2018 and he was awarded the club’s best player in his debut season. But last season, he struggled with a major injury that kept him out of action for several months.
However, the Portuguese international’s future remains uncertain with several top clubs interested in signing him, as per Leicestershire Live. And if a move happens, the Foxes would be left with just James Justin at right-back. The youngster just broke into the squad at the end of last season and did well but he lacks the experience. Thus, a move for Castagne seems to be a sensible one.
The former Genk man has been consistent and reliable in the last few seasons. Apart from operating at right-back, his attacking instinct allows him to play in a slightly higher role with ease. Castagne is also adept at playing at left-back and his versatile nature of play could come in handy for the manager.
The 24-year-old would definitely bring in healthy competition for the right-back spot, whilst also adding depth to Rodgers’ squad. He has the ability to succeed at the top level and could be a crucial player for the Foxes in the future if he is able to continue with the same form.
At 24, Castagne looks set to take a huge stride into the Premier League and the Foxes should be able to enjoy his best, which is yet to come. He could provide them with a long-term option and could provide them with some much-needed quality. Thus, a move for the Belgian international would be a smart decision by the club.
