Leicester City have set their sights on a young Tottenham defender, who has caught the eye of Roberto De Zerbi in pre-season.
Spurs have operated ruthlessly in the transfer market so far, having let many of their young guns leave the club.
Luka Vuskovic, Tynan Thompson, Alfie Devine and Will Lankshear have all departed the club, while youngster Elijah Upson has signed for Arsenal after rejecting the contract extension offers from Tottenham.
Reports indicate that Ashley Phillips could also be on his way out of the club, but he may not be the only young defender to leave N17 over the coming weeks.
Leicester City express interest in Tottenham starlet Malachi Hardy
The Daily Mail have claimed that Leicester City have now set their sights on a loan deal for Malachi Hardy, who has been heavily involved in Tottenham’s pre-season so far.
The Foxes are rebuilding their squad after being relegated to League One, and they have identified the 18-year-old Spurs man as someone who can aid their quest to bounce back up to the Championship.
The report says that the teenage defender has impressed the staff at Hotspur Way after being called up to train with the first team.
Hardy signed a contract extension with the Lilywhites earlier this year, and he could now get his first taste of senior football at the King Power Stadium during the upcoming season.
Hardy has impressed Roberto De Zerbi in pre-season
The England U18 international came on as a second-half substitute during Tottenham’s 1-0 win over MK Dons, impressing with his defensive work.
Hardy was rewarded with a start in Spurs’ friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday, partnering Kota Takai at the back as the Premier League side emerged 2-0 winners.
Following Sunday’s friendly, De Zerbi singled out Hardy for praise, suggesting that he can have a big future at the club. The Italian’s words suggest that the Lilywhites will not consider selling the teenage defender permanently this summer.