Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini.
With Youri Tielemans expected to depart the club in the summer, Leicester have seemingly begun their search for his replacement.
The Belgium international is out of contract in June, and there is no sign that he will put pen to paper on a new deal.
As a result, Tielemans is expected to leave the club on a free transfer amid interest from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
According to reports in Italy, Leicester have made an enquiry about Gagliardini, whose Inter contract expires at the end of the season.
Gagliardini has been with Inter since the summer of 2017, and he has gone on to make 178 appearances for the club, contributing 16 goals and nine assists.
During his time with the Nerazzurri, Gagliardini has won a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia trophy and two Italian Super Cups.
However, he has had to settle for a fringe role in Simone Inzaghi's squad this season, starting just three of the club's 24 league games.
Inter are not expected to offer the midfielder a new contract, ensuring he is now free to enter pre-contract negotiations with interested clubs.
With the Foxes set to lose Tielemans for nothing, a move for Gagliardini would prevent Leicester from having to splash out on the Belgian's replacement.
Leicester could face competition for Gagliardini's signature, though, with Galatasaray believed to be interested in the Inter midfielder.
Nottingham Forest were also linked with a move in the January transfer window, and it remains to be seen if they pursue a free transfer in the summer.
Although Gagliardini could have a number of options to choose from, he is yet to decide on his preferred destination.
Leicester, meanwhile, were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
They will be looking to respond to their cup disappointment when they face relegation rivals Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday. body check tags ::
