Imminent striker transfer deadline could force Cooper to pick

Adam Hlozek, Fotis Ioannidis, and Jordan Ayew have all been linked, but time is running out if City want a new forward to lead the line against Tottenham Hotspur

Adam Hlozek, in action for the Czech Republic, is a target for Leicester City

Leicester City have just 24 hours to sign a striker if they want a new man to lead the line in their Premier League opener.

Any players featuring in Monday night’s clash with Tottenham (8pm kick-off) must be registered with the Premier League by midday on Friday. It means the clock is ticking for City and their recruitment team.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Adam Hlozek looks the likeliest candidate at the moment with widespread reports from Germany saying a loan-to-buy deal has been secured between City and the Bundesliga champions. An agreement with the Czech Republic international is now required.

But the deal does not feel especially close to completion. On Wednesday, Hlozek was still training with Leverkusen ahead of the German Supercup against Stuttgart this Saturday.

Fotis Ioannidis is another striker who has been linked to City, with reports of a £22m bid for the Panathinaikos frontman. He’s attracting interest from around Europe, but his focus is on Ajax, Panathinaikos’s opponent in the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday night.

Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew, who has mainly been used as a winger in recent seasons at Selhurst Park but can play up front, is said to have been the subject of a £4m bid from City. Reports suggest that still doesn’t quite meet the Eagles’ valuation, and so, again, a deal before Friday lunchtime is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Right now, Steve Cooper will have to choose a striker from his current group. The extent of Patson Daka’s injury is unknown, and Jamie Vardy could return to training soon, but the manager has said he is planning without either player.

Tom Cannon is the only fit senior striker in the squad, but does not appear to be in favour with Cooper, and so may not get the nod either. Stephy Mavididi was the man who replaced Daka in City’s final pre-season friendly against Lens, and so looks to be the favourite.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid is another candidate, having played up front from time to time at Fulham. He started in Mavididi’s usual position on the left wing on Saturday, and has also been used as the number 10, but Facundo Buonanotte’s arrival gives Cooper an option there, the Brighton loanee potentially thrown straight in for his debut.