Leicester City are negotiating a deal to sign forward Mohamed Konate when his contract expires, Football Insider understands.
Konate, 26, is out of contract with Russian Premier League team Akhmat Grozny this summer and will leave to explore his alternatives.
Along with the Championship champions, French sides Brest and Lyon are also keeping an eye out for opportunities to improve their attacking options.
The striker has 13 goals in all competitions this season, and with Leicester eager to add to their firepower, Konate is an appealing choice, especially given his availability for free.
Konate has granted FIFA agent Willie McKay an exclusive authority to engage with interested clubs about a prospective move during this transfer window.
Leicester City joins French clubs in the race to sign free agency striker.
Leicester have been accused with financial violations and may face a points deduction upon their arrival in the Premier League, so the prospect of a free transfer is enticing.
Their financial status suggests that they may be operating with a constrained budget this summer.
Standing at 6ft, 3in, the striker is a different alternative than Patson Daka and Tom Cannon, and he would add something unique to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Kelechi Iheanacho, meantime, has turned down offers for a new contract at the King Power, while Aston Villa has spoken with his advisors about a potential transfer, according to Football Insider.
In that instance, Konate would step in to replace the Nigerian.
The forward has a history of considering his alternatives once his contract expires, having made six free moves in his career, according to Transfermarkt.
He has also shined on the international scene for Burkina Faso, where he has six goals in 25 appearances, including one goal in three appearances at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.
