Barcelona are reportedly in a strong position to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Belgium international's contract at the King Power Stadium is due to expire at the end of June, and he is widely expected to leave the Foxes in search of pastures new.
Manchester United continue to be heavily linked with the 25-year-old, but according to Fichajes, Barcelona are emerging as the frontrunners to sign the midfielder on a free transfer.
Tielemans has again been an important player for Leicester during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 28 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist in the process.
However, the midfielder has not started a league fixture since the start of February, featuring as a substitute in his side's last two matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, which have ended in defeats.
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Tielemans was introduced in the 62nd minute of Leicester's clash with Arsenal on Saturday afternoon but was unable to prevent Brendan Rodgers's side from suffering a 1-0 loss.
Rodgers recently told reporters that he was still hopeful an agreement over a new deal could be reached.
"It has gone on for a while, but it's all based around the player, ultimately. His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in - if not even more. He's loved his time here and is still loving his time here," said the Leicester head coach.
"I respect that he's in his last year, of course I want to tie him down. He's been a brilliant player for this club and is still at a great age. It's something that has to be right for all parties.
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"Until I'm told he's not here, we work very well together. He's a coach's dream, with his professionalism and view of the game.
"Nothing changes for me in that aspect, we just continue to hopefully find a resolution to it and have him sign here. I think it's one where we want to do everything we can to convince him to stay."
Arsenal have also been credited with an interest, and journalist Dean Jones recently said that the Gunners are firmly in the hunt for his signature.
"It's not impossible that Arsenal now make their move for him," Jones told GiveMeSport. "Arsenal were always against paying a fee for him, knowing that he could be available for free if they could get this far."
Tielemans has made 186 appearances for Leicester since arriving from Monaco in 2019, initially on loan, contributing 28 goals and 25 assists in the process.
Matt Law
