Leicester City and Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, with Marseille also said to be keen on the player.
The Foxes have been highly reliant on the attacking antics of Jamie Vardy this term, with the 38-year-old scoring during the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last weekend.
While Vardy is a certified top-flight icon, Akpom is best known in England for his stellar second-tier campaign under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough during the 2022-23 term.
The former Arsenal youngster bagged an eye-watering 29 goals across 40 Championship appearances that season, winning the division's Golden Boot.
Following a sensational year on Teesside, the European vultures began to circle around Akpom, who secured a high-profile switch to Ajax for £12m in August 2023.
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Leicester, Sunderland to battle Marseille for Akpom?
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Akpom's 18-month stay with the Eredivisie giants could reach its conclusion before the end of the winter window.
The report claims that Leicester, who are battling hard to avoid relegation to the Championship, possess 'concrete interest' in the 29-year-old.
As well as the Foxes, it is understood that Sunderland are keen on Akpom, who has proven his ability to set the English second tier alight during his time at the Riverside Stadium.
There is also continental interest in the former Gunners prodigy, with French outfit Marseille said to be in the race for the striker this month.
Despite a host of admirers of Akpom, it is currently unclear whether a switch away from Ajax this month would be temporary or permanent for the striker.
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Where should Akpom go?
Scoring 23 goals across 67 appearances for Ajax, Akpom may feel that he is above the Championship, making a move to Sunderland unlikely over the next week.
Leicester could provide the 29-year-old with a route to regular Premier League football, although the attacker will have to fight Vardy for the central-striking role at the King Power Stadium.
Second in the Ligue 1 table, Marseille arguably represents the most attractive option for Akpom, however a consistent spot in the starting XI would be difficult to earn.
Carter White
