With midfield maestro Riyad Mahrez looking more and more likely to join one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses in the near future, Leicester City are planning for a future without the Algerian star. The Foxes have sought out a replacement in the Norwegian starlet Mohamed Elyounoussi from the Tippeligaen's Molde FK .

While he may not be fully prepared to take on the role that Mahrez has played this year, the 21-year-old looks to be a decent potential signing. He’s created a buzz in his homeland and now could be the perfect time to buy him, as the asking price won’t be too high.

Who is Mohamed Elyounoussi?

The young Norwegian midfielder was a target for Leicester City in 2014, but the club optioned to go after Mahrez instead. Elyounoussi has since then been force in the Tippeligaen. He joined Molde in 2014 and has scored 36 goals in 78 matches, even proving himself on Europe’s biggest stage along the way, scoring three goals in four Champions League qualifying matches. He's been able to find the back of the net in in the Europa league as well, netting three in seven appearances.

What’s He Like?

The Norwegian magician is one of the most skilled dribblers in the Tippeligaen and can get by most defenders. He’s not afraid to go at opponents when he has the ball to put them on the back foot, while his creativity guarantees chances in the attacking third for the rest of his team. He’s proven he can finish off runs by putting the ball in the net himself, too.

Would he fit at Leicester City?

Elyounoussi would fit at Leicester perfectly because of his explosive counter-attacking abilities. The combination of his speed, dribbling, vision, crossing and persistence could make for an even more stunning counter attack for the Foxes. With Mahrez possibly on his way out this summer, the Norwegian might be the perfect replacement.

Worth a punt?

Absolutely. Mahrez will go for over £20m easily this summer, and Leicester could buy Elyounoussi for less than £3m. The 21-year-old has many years left and has already proven he’s ready to play in the Champions League, which is not common in the Foxes' current squad.

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