Leicester City have set an uncompromising £28m total price tag on Oliver Skipp, Stephy Mavididi, and Harry Souttar. Manager Russell Martin is refusing to sell his key trio on the cheap, forcing interested Championship rivals to put up serious cash.
The Foxes are driving a ridiculously hard bargain late in the summer window. Sheffield United have already felt the steel in Leicester’s posture after seeing multiple bids knocked back for Souttar. The Australian defender has captained the side in all three opening fixtures this season. Martin views Souttar as vital, sticking firmly to his £10m valuation. The Blades must pay full price or walk away empty-handed.
It is a similar standoff over Skipp. Middlesbrough showed strong interest in the former Tottenham midfielder, but Leicester’s initial £15m stance made any deal an absolute non-starter. City have now lowered that figure to £12m. Yet that remains a steep hill to climb for potential buyers in the second tier. Skipp has been a central pillar in Martin’s plans throughout pre-season. If he departs, Leicester will be forced to scramble for a replacement or trust Sammy Braybrooke to drop into the defensive anchor role.
Mavididi is fully heading for the exit door.
While online supporters might click “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” when reading transfer updates, Leicester board members are adopting an equally guarded stance on their own squad assets. Mavididi has been dumped from the squad entirely for recent matches against Notts County and Burton Albion. Rangers and Championship outfits are tracking the winger, but Leicester refuse to budge from their £6m tag. With Tommy Watson already brought in as a fresh wide option, Leicester hold all the cards in negotiations.
After enduring the bitter humiliation of back-to-back relegations, Leicester are reshaping their transfer strategy. Past years saw the club accept pocket change or demand unrealistic fees. Now, Martin and the board are establishing firm lines. They will not allow rivals to raid their squad on the cheap before the window slams shut.
