Leicester 'closing in' on £20m transfer agreement as Martin shake-up continues

Fatawu, 22, has been subject to strong interest from the Premier League and across Europe this summer, following City's relegation to League One. Everton, Besiktas and West Ham had been mentioned as potential destinations for the Ghana international, who scored nine goals and added eight assists in 44 appearances last season.

But now, it appears that Ipswich have won the race to secure Fatawu's signature. Indeed, according to Sky Sports, the Tractor Boys are 'closing in' on a £20m deal for Fatawu.

Ipswich, who last month appointed Gary O'Neil as their new head coach, are preparing for a second Premier League season in three years and view Fatawu as a strong addition to the forward line.

Should Fatawu complete the move to Ipswich as expected, he would reunite with former Leicester teammate Kasey McAteer at Portman Road. The duo competed for the right wing spot at the King Power Stadium throughout 2023/24 and at the start of the following season before Fatawu's Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.

As well as McAteer, Ipswich have three other right wingers in their squad. Wales international Wes Burns, Norway's Sindre Walle Egeli and Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene make up O'Neil's options in that position.

But Fatawu will be hoping he can cement a regular spot in the Ipswich starting XI ahead of their return to the Premier League. The 2004-born wide man last made a top-flight appearance in November 2024, when he impressed for then Steve Cooper's Foxes in defeat at Manchester United.

Leicester, meanwhile, are getting ready for their second-ever League One season and refreshing the squad for new manager Russell Martin, with a number of last year's team already leaving the squad.

City have sold 17-year-old talent Jeremy Monga to Manchester City for £10m plus add-ons, Bilal El Khannouss to Stuttgart for £12.7m, Harry Winks to Cagliari for an undisclosed fee, while Victor Kristiansen has left to join Panathinaikos on loan. It follows Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, Ricardo Pereira, Jamaal Lascelles, Wanya Marcal, Silko Thomas and Jannik Vestergaard out of the door, with all seven departing on free transfers. Jordan James, Joe Aribo and Divin Mukasa have returned to Rennes, Southampton and Manchester City, respectively.

While more business is expected, Leicester have brought in just two players so far. Conor Chaplin has signed on a free after leaving Ipswich, while Alex McCarthy has joined following the expiry of his Southampton contract.

Speaking after Saturday's 3-0 pre-season win over Burton Albion, City boss Martin revealed that he expects more players through the door in the next week. "Yeah, I think so," Martin said when asked if more business is due to be done soon. "Who and when I haven't got a clue, I'm sure we'll update you as and when.

"The situation we're in, with the size of the squad, the amount of interest we have in some of our players, it's only natural that things will happen and start turning as they have done this week. I expect more to happen this week and whatever we'll do, we'll be happy with."