Jamie Vardy, a former England striker, has begun negotiations about staying with Leicester City when they return to the top flight. The 37-year-old, who has 190 goals in 12 years with the Foxes, might be the final remaining member of Leicester’s Premier League-winning squad after this summer, as Marc Albrighton’s time at the club appears to be up. Vardy’s 18 league goals, including a double in Monday’s Championship title-clinching win over Preston, have been critical in the Foxes’ return to the Premier League. “Jamie is already discussing his new contract with the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement,” head coach Enzo Maresca told BBC Radio Leicester.
However, the transfer restriction imposed on Leicester will make a new contract difficult to negotiate. The English Football League suspension is valid until June 6, and the Premier League has not confirmed if the embargo will be implemented after that date. Vardy’s previous deal expires on June 30. Meanwhile, 34-year-old midfielder Albrighton told BBC Radio Leicester that he is “99.9% certain” that his appearance off the bench in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Blackburn was his final game. Albrighton, like Vardy, is a Premier League and FA Cup champion for Leicester.
He spent last season on loan at West Brom in the Championship after Leicester was relegated, and he has been used sparingly in the second tier as they prepare to return to the Premier League this season. He appeared only 18 times in all competitions, although Maresca lauded his impact. “Mac is very professional; he helps all the young players, he helps outside the pitch, when I give him some minutes, he helps inside the pitch,” the 44-year-old Italian commented. “I told them many times I cannot be fair with all of them.”Unfortunately, my position requires that you not be fair to all of the participants, but this is not a reflection on them. It’s because you made a different decision, but Marc has been excellent.”
