Leicester and Manchester City eye Lazio goalkeeper Mandas as they won the race to sign the veteran
Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas really has caught the eye of Premier League sides, as after Manchester City, now Leicester City are also interested.
The shot-stopper was signed for just €900,000 plus bonuses from OFI Crete on transfer deadline day in September 2023.
He was not really meant to feature this season, but was thrust into the limelight following the serious ankle injury to Ivan Provedel.
Mandas was already approached by Manchester City representatives and now the Corriere dello Sport claims that newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester City are also keeping an eye on the situation.
Mandas price-tag set
Considering Provedel is without doubt the first choice for the gloves, the Greek shot-stopper could be allowed to leave for €15m at a huge profit for Lazio.
However, the Biancocelesti are also in a period of flux under new coach Igor Tudor and could sacrifice Provedel instead.
Mandas is 22 years old and has made 12 competitive appearances for Lazio this season, keeping five clean sheets.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper spent most of the season warming the bench but has started the last eight Serie A fixtures for Lazio.
His performances in the Lazio goal have led to links away from the club in the upcoming transfer window.
He has been linked with a move to the Premier League where a few clubs are keeping an eye on him.
According to Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport (via LaLazioSiaMonoi), Leicester are interested in signing Mandas in the upcoming summer transfer window.
With promotion secured, Enzo Maresca is now looking to add to his squad to prepare for life in the top flight.
The Leicester boss wants to bring in a new goalkeeper and Mandas is a player the Italian likes.
Lazio are not ruling out anything but are waiting to decide their budget for the upcoming season.
They could open to offers of around €15m for Mandas in the summer transfer window.
The Premier League kicks off three months from now and so Leicester City have plenty of time to build a team capable of achieving Enzo Maresca’s stated aim of survival.
What they may not have are resources. With the club having already received one charge over an alleged breach of financial rules, and staring at another unless they sell players before the end of June, they don’t want to risk further trouble by spending heavily this summer.
But before they can decide what they want in the summer window and how best to spend their budget, City need to know what they’ve got. Sorting contracts for those whose deals are expiring this summer is the first task.
