Leicester City may face a battle to keep Youri Tielemans at the club next summer after multiple European heavyweights were linked with a move for the highly-rated 24-year-old.

What's the story?

The Belgium international was heavily linked with an exit from the King Power Stadium in the most recent transfer window, although no formal offer came in for his services.

However, with his current contract set to expire in just two years' time, rumours continue to circulate regarding Tielemans' future, and well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on his situation.

"Behind the scenes, many clubs wanted to sign Youri Tielemans this summer," Romano said on his YouTube channel (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury). "They wanted to keep this player. He was also thinking about his future, and he decided to stay."

"The next big battle in the transfer market next summer will be for this guy. I think this summer was really complicated for him to move because, after the Euros, his price was around £60m to £65m.

"Many top clubs were not able to approach Tielemans because the cost of the deal was really complicated. But next summer, Youri Tielemans will be one to watch.

"I am told that he is on many top clubs' list. Real Madrid have his name in mind for the future, Barcelona the same. In England many clubs are interested. Manchester United have to decide on Paul Pogba, but Tielemans is one to watch for the future for Manchester United.

"Leicester are very good in their strategy. They said no over James Maddison and said no for Tielemans. They always protect their best players. It will not be easy to sign him because Leicester will put a big price on this player."

Leicester City fans will be worried

The Belgium international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents since making his initial six-month loan move from Monaco permanent back in July 2019.

In 112 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ charges, Tielemans has scored 18 goals and laid on a further 19 assists, and played a pivotal part in Leicester’s maiden FA Cup success last season, scoring the winning goal against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

Therefore, the club's supporters are likely to be very worried about this latest revelation. The technically gifted midfielder has played a pivotal part in the Midlands outfit's recent success, and his departure would be a significant setback in their push for further honours.

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