Search icon

Football

21st Nov 2018

Leicester keen to sign Spanish international Brais Mendez

Celta Vigo wonderkid Brais Mendez scored on his debut for Spain on Sunday, attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Leicester City

Reuben Pinder

He is the latest star to emerge from the conveyor belt of talent in Spain

Brais Mendez is attracting attention from all over the footballing world right now. His recent form for Celta Vigo – three goals in his last four matches – earned him a Spain call-up, an opportunity which he seized with both hands. Just 20 minutes after replacing Suso from the bench, Mendez scored the only goal of the game as Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Bosnia.

Leicester City have reportedly shown interest in signing the attacking midfielder, according to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope. The report states that Leicester have already had a bid rejected by Celta, who are desperate to keep hold of the highly rated youngster.

As is obligatory in Spain, Mendez has a release clause that Leicester would have to meet if Celta were to part with the player. That release clause currently sits at €25m, but is likely to rise if the club can tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Mendez played 24 games in all competitions for Celta last season but has been granted more regular starts by manager Miguel Cardoso this term.

Able to play as a number ten or from the wing, Mendez would provide Claude Puel with a versatility in attack.

It’s also feasible that Leicester are keen to sign him as they prepare to lose James Maddison next summer after his particularly impressive start to the season.