New striker! prospects of clinching the deal at 50-50
Leicester Mercury today
Leicester City are closing in on the new striker who they hope will help to revive their ailing season.
I understand the two clubs are well down the road to an agreement and, if the deal is completed today, the new arrival might be eligible to face Tottenham in the FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday.
City boss Craig Levein will not reveal the name of his target because other clubs are also interested in the player, but he rates the prospects of clinching the deal at 50-50.
There had also been interest in a striker from Europe but the price was beyond City's budget and the player will not be pursued unless his club drop the asking price.
While Levein is chasing fresh faces, he still has to work towards Sunday's glamour clash at the Walkers Stadium, and his squad has not been helped by a few problems.
Momo Sylla is unavailable, while fellow midfielder Patrick Kisnorbo and defender Patrik Gerrbrand are struggling with injury.
"I don't think Gerrbrand will make it while Kisnorbo, having played against Crystal Palace after a bad bout of illness, was shattered and has a slight hamstring strain," said Levein.
"Sylla is away with Guinea in their build-up to the African Nations Cup but I have got an agreement with his country that he will return for the Sheffield Wednesday match a week tomorrow, which is a big one for us.
"I will need him as Ryan Smith and Joey Gudjonsson are suspended for that one."
Sylla will then go back on international duty with Guinea until their interest in the competition is over.
On the plus side, Smith will be available to face Spurs on Sunday evening.
His club Arsenal prevented him from playing in the Carling Cup but, having agreed to extend the teenager's loan to the end of the season, the winger can play.
Any1 read Chris Kamaras 
