In the end, the 2023/24 campaign went just about as well as Leicester City would have hoped for it to.

Following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season, Leicester City have swiftly secured an immediate promotion back to the top flight of English football. They are set to make that return as Championship title winners, capping off what has been a largely dominant campaign in the second tier.

Leicester City’s determination to bounce back from their unexpected relegation from the Premier League seems evident, as they are already making moves in the early stages of the transfer window.

Reports suggest that the Championship title winners are interested in signing Mohamed Konate from Russian club Akhmat Grozny. Konate, who is set to be out of contract at the end of the season, has attracted attention from Leicester, as well as French clubs Brest and Lyon, after a successful season where he scored 13 goals in all competitions.

The potential addition of Konate could bolster Leicester’s attacking options without requiring a significant financial outlay, making it a potentially valuable move for the club.

Interestingly, this transfer speculation could impact the plans of two Championship clubs, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, who may have been eyeing Konate themselves.

Mohamed Konate deal could open the door for Tom Cannon move

While Leicester City appears to be focusing on potential new striker signings, one of their current attackers, Tom Cannon, is drawing interest from elsewhere.

Cannon joined Leicester from Everton last summer on a five-year contract, in a deal reportedly valued at around £7.5 million. His acquisition followed an impressive loan spell at Preston North End in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Despite returning from injury earlier this season, Cannon struggled to secure regular playing time under manager Enzo Maresca at Leicester.

The latest report from journalist Alan Nixon indicates that Preston North End are interested in re-signing Mohamed Konate on loan this summer, with Blackburn Rovers also expressing similar interest. Leicester City’s pursuit of Konate potentially bodes well for these Championship clubs.

Considering Konate’s potential arrival at Leicester and his lack of regular appearances in the second-tier, it’s unlikely that manager Enzo Maresca would heavily rely on him in the top flight. This situation may prompt Leicester to seek a loan move for Cannon, ensuring he receives the necessary playing time to continue his development.

Both Blackburn and Preston, in need of a center forward after struggling for goals in that position this season, could benefit from Cannon’s availability. If Leicester secures Konate, the competition for places could make a loan move for Cannon more feasible.

Therefore, there’s a strong possibility that Blackburn and Preston will be hoping Leicester successfully secures Konate’s signature, as it could open up opportunities for Cannon to join either club on loan, benefiting all parties involved.

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