Leicester City have been linked with a move for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka as Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen his first-team squad.

What's the story?

The 22-year-old had an incredibly impressive 2020/21 campaign, bagging 34 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions as Jesse Marsch's men achieved a domestic double.

Daka's standout displays have attracted the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea, but the Foxes see the pacey forward as Jamie Vardy's natural successor, according to The Mirror.

Rodgers needs him

Despite the magnificent form of the Zambia international, a fee of just £17m is thought to be enough to prize him away from Salzburg.

And acquiring a player as talented as Daka for such a modest fee would undoubtedly go down as another transfer masterclass from director of football Jon Rudkin.

Twenty3Sport journalist Sam McGuire once dubbed the youngster a “goal machine,” and it's hard to argue with that label given his record.

Leicester will be fighting on multiple fronts next season after qualifying for the Europa League, and Rodgers will need several options in each position if the Midlands outfit are to be competitive.

The former Liverpool boss will be desperate to achieve a top-four finish with the current FA Cup holders at the third time of asking, meaning strength in depth will be essential.

At 34, Vardy's time at the top-level of football is drawing to a close. His run of just one goal in 13 Premier League games in the second half of last season highlighted his steady decline.

Although Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is expected to bolster the ranks at the King Power Stadium over the coming months, the addition of Daka would take Leicester to another level.

The promise of first-team football and regular game time may be enough for Salzburg to turn down tempting offers from the Reds and Chelsea.

His signing would be a typical purchase from the Foxes, who have become renowned for picking up talented young stars for low prices before selling them on for an astronomical profit. It's also one that could see them return to Europe's elite cup competition.

And, in other news...Get it done: Rudkin must sanction Leicester swoop for “excellent” £50m gem