Discussions have taken place with Real Betis in La Liga about a potential move for Perez, one of many that could take place at City in the final week of the window.
Leicester City has held talks with Real Betis about a potential January exit for forward Ayoze Perez, as one of many moves, both in and out, that could occur before the deadline.
The city will be active in the final week of the transfer window, with manager Brendan Rodgers still hoping to add to the signing of left-back Victor Kristiansen. The 20-year-old Dane joined last week in a deal worth up to £17 million and made his first appearance in training on Monday.
However, in order to make room in the City squad for potential new recruits, players will be released. Perez is one of those who could leave, with a move to Betis, who are currently sixth in La Liga, in the works.
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According to LeicestershireLive, the groundwork for a deal has been laid, with City establishing the terms under which they would allow the Spaniard to leave. However, neither Betis nor City have agreed to a transfer.
The arrival of a winger is likely to be a factor in City giving the go-ahead for Perez to complete any switch away, with a new wide-man now the overwhelming transfer priority for Brendan Rodgers and the club’s recruitment team. Fiorentina’s Nico Gonzalez has been a target, while Brazilian star Tete, on loan at Lyon from Shakhtar Donetsk, is on their radar.
If Perez does move this month, it could be on loan, with the 29-year-old then leaving permanently in the summer. His contract at the King Power Stadium signed upon his £30m switch from Newcastle in 2019, expires at the end of this season and so he would be departing on a free transfer.
As things stand, he is in training with the rest of the squad preparing for City’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Walsall. He could make his injury return in the game, having missed the past two matches.
In terms of other transfers, City is looking for a center-back, which could allow Caglar Soyuncu and Jannik Vestergaard to leave. Loans for promising development squad prospects are also anticipated.
City manager Brendan Rodgers expressed confidence in welcoming new players to the club following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton. “If we can get a few more, it will help,” he said. Yeah, yeah (I’m certain). The club is working hard behind the scenes to accomplish this, so hopefully, we will be able to do so before the window closes.”
