Leicester City man seen as 'ideal candidate' for transfer after agent admission
Defender Caleb Okoli’s start to life at Leicester City has reportedly put him on the radar of Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old made a £13 million move to the King Power Stadium from Atalanta in July and he has since played seven times in the Premier League. His form for the Foxes saw him receive his first call-up for Italy in September.
However, his performances have also seemingly alerted other clubs. According to Italian publication Il Pallone Gonfiato, Okoli has “caught the attention” of Inter.
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The January window is still a few weeks away, but the Italian giants are already said to be turning their attention to next summer. No “major arrivals” are expected in the winter window, however they are continuing to “monitor the market” with a view to putting plans in place for next season.
Okoli has been identified as an “ideal candidate” for working within boss Simone Inzaghi’s three-man defence thanks to his strength, speed and aerial ability. He is said to be valued at €20 million (£16.7m) and is seen as a good fit for Inter’s strategy of bringing in young players who they can develop.
Earlier this week, Okoli’s agent said his client’s decision to sign a five-year deal with City had been “the right choice”. The centre-back had no shortage of offers but was quick to agree to a link-up with Steve Cooper’s side.
"His summer was quite eventful, because the boy had markets in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and England,” Alessandro Barison said. “His dream was to go to the Premier League, this call from Leicester arrived through an intermediary and he didn't think twice. In five days the deal was closed and the clubs immediately reached an agreement.”
“The boy wanted to have a different experience from Atalanta, he wanted to play more because he’s a young boy and he also wanted to aspire to the national team, which then thanks to his performances arrived,” he added. “Spalletti (Italy manager Luciano Spalletti) followed him to Leicester and decided to call him up. Up until now, moving to England has been the right choice.”