Transfers

Leicester City have major advantage in pursuit of Premier League-winner thanks to Ruud van Nistelrooy

Add as preferred source on Google

Leicester City are looking for whatever edge they can get in the race for Premier League survival.

The Foxes took a massive three points on the weekend. Leicester City beat Tottenham 2-1 away from home — a perfectly timed victory following Wolves’ defeat to Arsenal.

The table now looks more favourably on the 2015-16 champions after they climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since mid-December.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
16 EvertonEverton22 5 8 9 19 28 -9 23
17 LeicesterLeicester23 4 5 14 25 49 -24 17
18 WolvesWolves23 4 4 15 32 52 -20 16

And looking to improve his side’s chances of beating the drop even more, Ruud van Nistelrooy is targeting a new midfielder before the close of the January transfer window.

Besiktas v Fenerbahce - Turkish Super League
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images

Leicester City have clear advantage in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain race

Due to a lack of minutes at Besiktas, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a contender to return to England.

The former Arsenal and Liverpool man is wanted by a trio of English clubs. Not only do Leicester City like the 31-year-old but so do relegation rivals Wolves and Championship table-toppers Leeds United. The Foxes have the best chance of signing the ex-international though.

According to CaughtOffside, Van Nistelrooy’s connection to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — the Besiktas manager — could hold the keys to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future.

The pair spent time together at Manchester United during their playing days, and although both have since delved into management, they still have a good relationship off the pitch.

Oxlade-Chamberlain success would boost survival chances

Although one player can’t prevent a team from being relegated, Oxlade-Chamberlain picking the King Power over Molineux would certainly deal Vitor Pereira’s side a major blow.

In direct competition with the Midlands giants, Leicester City know how important it is to damage the Old Gold’s chances of retaining their top-flight status.

Even though points are all that matter, beating Wolves to one of their biggest transfer targets could prove to be a real coup for Van Nistelrooy, who believes the experienced midfielder would significantly boost the Foxes’ chances of avoiding relegation.

During his 12 years in the Premier League, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has 18 months left on his contract with Besiktas, directly contributed to 41 goals in 247 matches. He lifted the 2019-20 title with Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.