Enzo Maresca has a huge decision to make on the future of centre-back Harry Souttar in this window.
Leicester City are gearing up for a busy winter, both on and off the field.
Enzo Maresca is looking to make a few additions to bolster his star-studded squad and alleviate the damage caused by injuries.
The Italian currently has seven of his first-team stars either on the injury table or away on international duty.
Indeed, that could prove enough to dip his toes into this market and do some business.
The Foxes have reportedly held talks with Inter Milan over their midfielder Stefano Sensi, but persuading him to join a Championship side could prove difficult.
In the other direction, Maresca has to resolve the futures of a few players, including third-choice goalkeeper Danny Ward, midfielder Dennis Praet and centre-back Harry Souttar.
Souttar is currently away on Asia Cup duty with Australia, but he could be set to move on this month, with Leicester said to be open to offers, according to the Athletic.
The 25-year-old has only started once in the Championship this term.
He featured for 85 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Stoke City in October but has fallen out of favour since the arrival of Maresca with the likes of Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes and Conor Coady all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Given he doesn’t figure in the forefront of the managers mind, Leicester would be right to move him on in January, perhaps on loan deal.
Harry Souttar needs to go out on loan
After arriving for a fee of £15 million from Stoke City last January, Souttar made 12 appearances as the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.
Described as an “absolute monster” by journalist Jordan Campbell, the 21-cap Australia international – who has remarkably scored ten goals for his country from centre-back – is a threat in both boxes and would be a fantastic defensive option for most Championship sides.
With Leicester ten points clear at the top of the second tier, they can afford to loan him out without facing any repercussions.
Souttar is, quite simply, too good to be warming up the bench and needs to be playing regular football.
He showcased that in the top-flight last term by bullying attackers aerially and throwing his body into the line of shots.
According to FBref, he ranked in the top 9% against his positional peers for aerials won while making 1.45 blocks, 4.08 clearances and 1.36 tackles per 90.
The only issue with loaning him out, however, could be his high salary.
But if clubs can strike a deal, he would be an excellent coup.