This January, Islam Slimani was a striker in demand. Almost anyone that was in need of a striker was linked with the Algerian.
Sides such as Aston Villa, Inter, Manchester United, and Tottenham were all rumoured to be attempting to sign the front man until the end of the season.
However, a deal wasn't possible due to reportedly unreasonable demands set by Leicester City and AS Monaco. According to Algerian news outlet Compétition, the costs were wildly unaffordable for such a short-term deal.
“At first, Leicester were asking for €2.5m and Monaco €4.5m (to cut the deal short), so a total of €7m. Sorry, but no club is going to spend that money for a six-month loan," said a French agent, who was aware of the situation.
“On Thursday, after realising the amount would put off any club, the two parties agreed for a new amount of €5m when they learned Inter came knocking for Slimani. On Thursday, we actually thought a transfer would be done, but there was never an offer from the Milan club”.
It's been a strange season for Slimani, who started the year in excellent form. However, since the appointment of Robert Moreno, the Algerian centre forward has found himself on the sidelines.
It will be an interesting summer for the striker, who has two years left on his contract. Given his outstanding form at the beginning of the season, a move to Les Monégasques would make sense for both parties.
However, with Slimani receiving the ironic cold shoulder in Monaco, it will be interesting what Brendon Rodgers decides to do with the striker come the end of the season.
Right now, Leicester City don't have a target man in the mould of Slimani, so do not write off the possibility of a return to the King Power for the 31-year-old.
Source :
90min
