Leicester shrug off FFP woes as they send chief scout to Brazil despite Premier League points deduction worry

8 months ago 74

LEICESTER are checking out the Brazilian market despite doubts about promotion and their FFP issues.

City sent top scout and former defender Sean St Ledger to South America as they seek bargains for a potential Premier League return.

Foxes manager Enzo Maresca is keen to improve the quality of his squad after they blew a 17-point lead in the Championship in recent months.

Former head of recruitment Steve Walsh famously discovered Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.

And now Italian Maresca believes Brazil could be the place to find some hidden gems for a good price.

Leicester have only ever had one Brazilian play for the club.

Winger Tete joined on loan for the second half of last season but, despite scoring on his debut away at Aston Villa, could not help keep the East Midlanders in the top flight.

Leicester signed Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Tom Cannon and youngster Arjan Raikhy in the summer.

But their financial woes saw frustrated Maresca prevented from bringing anyone else in during the January transfer window.

Leicester remain just about on course for an immediate promotion despite six defeats in their last ten league games.

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They are currently second on 88 points, one behind leaders Ipswich but with a game in hand on the Tractor Boys.

However, they have lost their last two matches 1-0 away at Millwall and Plymouth – but have been boosted by dips in form by rivals Ipswich and Leeds, too.

To make matters worse for Leicester, they are in financial disarray off the field which may well land the club a points deduction should they get promoted.

The Foxes broke deficit limits for 2022-23 but launched a legal case accusing the Prem and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges and asking for an injunction against a penalty being imposed before the end of the season.

The EFL wanted to throw the book at the King Power side over their Premier League charge for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.

However, a ruling means the EFL do not have the authority to do so – meaning it will be down to the Premier League to sanction Leicester.

And that means should Maresca’s side get over the line in the race for promotion, they may well end up kicking off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on minus points.