Leicester City have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard.

What's the story?

The Foxes are one of several Premier League clubs to have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 21-year-old in recent weeks following his impressive showing at Euro 2020.

However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are in 'first place' to secure Damsgaard's signature, meaning that a move to the King Power Stadium could be off the table.

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Damsgaard starred for Denmark over the summer, scoring two goals and laying on an assist for teammates in five appearances at the European Championship in helping his nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

His eye-catching performances attracted the attention of a host of the continent's top clubs, opening the door to a possible exit from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris despite only arriving in Serie A 12 months ago in a £6.08m deal.

The creative talent is a product of the famed Nordsjaelland academy and showed his class for Sampdoria last season, bagging two goals and providing four assists in 35 top-flight appearances as he settled into life on Italian shores.

He also managed 1.5 dribbles per league game, the highest tally amongst his teammates. His potential is clear for all to see, and he has showcased it on the international stage to devastating effect.

After playing a pivotal part in Sampdoria's shock 2-1 victory over eventual champions Inter back in January, TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen hailed Damsgaard as “magical”, praising his decision-making in the final third despite his tender years.

“He’s magical – what speed! He is dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions,” Mikkelsen claimed.

Therefore, Rodgers is likely to be gutted that Spurs and Aston Villa appear to be beating Leicester in the chase for the Danish maestro. The Foxes have had a successful transfer window so far, significantly strengthening the Northern Irishman's ranks in a variety of positions.

However, one area which is still quite threadbare is the right wing. Marc Albrighton remains the only natural in that role within the first team squad, and Rodgers will be disappointed to learn of the extra competition for £18m-rated Damsgaard.

In other news...David Ornstein reveals huge Leicester City update which will leave the fans delighted