Leicester City icon Jamie Vardy has emerged as a potential candidate to strengthen Leeds United this summer as they return to the Premier League.
Following concerns about Joel Piroe's top-flight prowess and Patrick Bamford's uncertain future, the Whites are expected to bolster their strike force.
Vardy boasts an impressive record for Leicester, having scored 200 goals for the club during his 13-year stint. The 38-year-old, who recently announced that he would be leaving the Foxes at the end of the season when his contract expired, played his final match on Sunday.
Vardy netted the opening goal for his side in their 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the King Power Stadium. "It's been amazing, it's been a rollercoaster, it really has," he said after the game.
"But the good thing is there's been way, way, way more highs [than lows] and I thank everyone. I never thought we'd be in the Champions League, we'd win the league, and we've all been there for a reason."
As he has yet to announce the next step in his career*, LeedsLive* brings you all the latest news surrounding the veteran strike.
'Is Vardy the answer?'
Ex-Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson isn't sold on the idea of Vardy heading to Elland Road. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I think Vardy can still do it in the Premier League. But is he the answer for Leeds?
"I'm not so sure looking at his age and where he is now. Joel Piroe has carried the can for scoring the goals this season. Patrick Bamford has a year left on his deal and is looking like he's going to move on because they can't rely on him to be fit and score goals in the Premier League.
"Jamie Vardy is a proven striker, but if you sign him you need to get another as well because you don't know how many games he's going to be able to play. If he's fit, he would be an impact off the bench, but I'm sure he's going to want to go somewhere where he plays every week now. He's not going to want to join Leeds and be an impact player."
Wrexham chief addresses Vardy links
Newly promoted Championship side Wrexham have ruled out signing Vardy.
During an appearance by club director Humphrey Ker on Radio X, host Chris Moyles: "Have Wrexham signed Jamie Vardy?"
However, Ker's reply was a simple: "No," before adding: "Actually, I should stop doing this because eventually you might say someone and I have to be like, 'Yes, that's true.'
"One of the things, much like Ryan Reynolds, the name Wrexham generates clicks. So we've started now getting linked with absolutely everybody, we're like, 'Who?'
"I see our fans getting absolutely incandescent on Twitter about it, 'What on Earth are they doing trying to sign this guy?' Well, none of us have heard of him before."
Last day at Leicester City
On Wednesday, Vardy said his goodbyes to his Leicester teammates and members of staff at the Seagrave training ground.
'I'll keep going'
Speaking to Sky Sports about where his next move could possibly be, Vardy said: "I’ve always said I’ll keep going until my legs literally tell me ‘you need to stop we’re done’, and my legs are fine."
When asked if he has any doubts over if he can still perform in the Premier League, Vardy simply said: "No…But that’s just me."
Reiterating that point, he added: "100%, 100%. But again, football is a crazy world, so you never know what is going to happen."
When asked if he’s excited for the next challenge, he concluded: "Yes, I’m always excited, always. At the end of the day, I’m doing a sport that I love, I love playing football. It’s what I’ve done since I was a little kid, so long may that continue."
Ex-Leicester teammate prediction
Former Leicester City strike partner David Nugent expects the 38-year-old will head abroad. "I think he's still got it," Nugent said.
"His legs are still there, he's ready to play. Nine goals in a Premier League team that has been relegated, it's massive. I think he needs a team that gets the ball in the box. Vards is an 18-yard box player, put the ball in behind and get him in the 18-yard box and he's going to get shot on goal.
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"He's an impeccable finisher. You give him a chance, one out of three he's going to score. I think if those big clubs... obviously Arsenal came in for him a few years back and he turned it down to stay at Leicester. I think he's got it in the locker to be an impact sub at a big team. Even from 10th or above, I think he can do a job anywhere. I wouldn't put him past him. But that’s if he stays in the Premier League."
He added: "I've been trying to get him to Everton for the past three years because I'm a big Everton fan! But I just can't see him in the Premier League, to be honest with you. It's going to be weird seeing him in a different kit. Personally, I think he'll go abroad and just enjoy life. I think he wants a bit of sun, I think he wants to move abroad and get out of the limelight. I think he needs that break from English football, just to relax. I think he deserves it."
Pedigree
During his 13-year spell at Leicester, Vardy won two Championship titles, one Premier League title, one FA Cup and the Community Shield. He also played in all three European competitions and won the Premier League golden boot in 2019/2020.
Before retiring from international football in 2018, the Sheffield-born forward scored seven goals in 26 appearances for England.
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