Following a string of rejected offers for Bilal El Khannouss, KRC Genk are said to have now responded to Leicester City with a clear counter-proposal.
High in Steve Cooper’s list of priorities before the transfer window slams shut is an attacking midfielder, with 20-year-old Morocco international El Khannouss identified as the ideal target. Belgian reports state that so far the Foxes have had two bids, the highest of which stands at €18m (£15m) plus add-ons, have been rejected.
There was a growing feeling across the English Channel that City would swiftly return with a third attempt – one that would have be in excess of Genk’s current record sale, €25m (£21m). However, it is claimed the Jupiler Pro League side are so willing to do business and have done the job for Leicester.
Sacha Tavolieri states that the club have received a counter-proposal from Genk to secure the attacking midfielder’s signature. They are asking for €26m (£21.9m) in total – €20m up front and €6m worth of add-ons. The coming hours are suggested to be pivotal in negotiations.
Were City to accept this alleged proposal, El Khannouss would become the club’s most expensive purchase of the summer, overtaking Oliver Skipp’s £20m arrival from Tottenham Hotspur.
The player in question is thought to be keen to make a Premier League switch, and on Friday night when rumours first emerged he was left absent from his club’s friendly against Fortuna Sittard.
Genk ultimately believe the 20-year-old is worth a record amount based on his 94 senior appearances for the club, during which he has scored four goals and provided 14 assists, partnered with 14 senior appearances for his country. Additionally, he aided Morocco’s push to Olympic bronze in the Paris games this summer.
Leave a Reply