Leicester City will consider cutting ties with striker Odsonne Edouard next month in order to free up a loan spot for Ruud van Nistelrooy to strengthen his squad.

Edouard has been unable to make an impact for City since joining on loan from Crystal Palace on deadline day in the summer, making just four substitute appearances in the league. With Patson Daka fit again, the Frenchman hasn’t even made the bench since van Nistelrooy took charge.

And the manager says a decision over Edouard’s future is “on the table” for the club in January. Premier League sides are only allowed a maximum of two players on loan from other clubs in the division at any one time. With Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte valued highly by van Nistelrooy and going nowhere, Edouard would be the man to depart if City feel they are better served bringing in a new loanee.

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Van Nistelrooy said: “It’s clear we have three number nines, with Jamie (Vardy), with Patson and with Edou. Every game there are decisions to be made on the nines you bring in your squad.

“I’m going to look at how many players in each position I need, and so far it’s been Jamie and Patson who have been chosen. But he’s fit and he’s training and it can change every week.

“That’s a fair enough point (over Edouard taking up a loan spot). It’s clear players need to have a perspective. At the moment, with Odsonne’s situation, we have to address that closely. It’s something that’s on the table for us to look at.”

Edouard could actually be in the squad on Boxing Day at Liverpool with Vardy a doubt. If the captain is unavailable, Daka would be likely to make his first start of the season, with Edouard offering support from the bench.

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