Leicester City, widely considered favorites to win League One, are intensifying their search for a specialist number nine striker with the season opener just three weeks away. Manager Russell Martin acknowledged the team's need for attacking reinforcements despite a recent 3-3 draw against La Liga side Malaga.
"The topline, both wide positions and a No 9, I think it’s really clear," Martin stated, highlighting the club's priorities. Attempts to sign former West Ham striker Danny Ings have been unsuccessful. Additionally, Jamie Vardy, despite participating in initial team testing, is not expected to return to the club as he aims to continue his career at a higher level.
The club is now facing fierce competition to secure a forward from a league that boasted a strong pool of attacking talent last season. Leicester's initial interest in Plymouth's Lorent Tolaj, who scored 17 League One goals last season, was met with his desire to join a Championship club. Bristol City ultimately secured Tolaj's signature.
Another player on Leicester's radar is Leyton Orient's Dom Ballard. While Leicester has been monitoring the forward for two months, a fee has yet to be agreed upon. Exeter's Jayden Wareham, who netted 19 league goals last season, is being considered as an alternative.
Time is a critical factor for Martin, who emphasized the need for decisive action. Aribim Pepple, the other half of Plymouth's potent strike partnership last season, has also attracted attention. Pepple recorded the second-highest goals-per-minute ratio in League One last season, scoring once every 135 minutes across 35 league games. Wolves are reportedly among the clubs interested in Pepple.
Despite fan concerns about the club's pace in the transfer market, Martin expressed optimism. "I'm hopeful we can get what we want before the season begins," he said. "We have a clear idea on the list we have and it's important to find the right character."
Leicester's promotion push follows a tumultuous decade since their Premier League title win. Last season saw them relegated to the third tier, a fate influenced by a six-point deduction that placed them five points adrift of safety. Securing the right striker is now seen as pivotal to their campaign to return to the top flight.