Leicester ready to abandon pursuit of Francesco Acerbi after Sassuolo reject improved £12m bid for defender

Daily Mail | January 17, 2017

Leicester City are ready to turn to other targets after having a third bid for Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi turned down.

The Premier League champions offered £12million for the 28-year-old centre-back and manager Claudio Ranieri even telephoned the player in a bid to persuade him but the Italian side are determined to keep hold of the Italy international.

Ranieri had also considered former Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic at Schalke though he has recently suffered a groin injury.

Leicester made a third bid of u00a312m offer for Sassuolo's Francesco Acerbi (right) — Leicester made a third bid of £12m offer for Sassuolo's Francesco Acerbi (right)

Acerbi, an Italy international, had emerged as the Foxes prime defensive target in Januaryu00a0 — Acerbi, an Italy international, had emerged as the Foxes prime defensive target in January

Leicester have turned down an approach from Malaga for Luis Hernandez even though he has made just four Premier League appearances since his summer move from Sporting Gijon.