Leicester’s proposed £48million double deal for Sporting Lisbon duo Islam Slimani and Adrien Silva is in the balance as the Portuguese club maintain a steadfast approach to negotiations.
Sporting have taken the unusual step of releasing a statement insisting Silva will not be sold, triggering a counter-claim from the player’s agent.
A move for Slimani meanwhile is being held up by Sporting’s demands for a price of up to £40m, whereas Leicester see the striker being worth closer to £25m.
That signing appears likelier at this stage, as Sportsmail understands Leonardo Ulloa has been told he can leave should another centre-forward come in.