Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng. (Photo : Getty Images)
Rumors are out that newly-crowned English Premier League champions Leicester City are eyeing a £10 million summer swoop for Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng.
Caught Offside indicated that the first-time English top flight champions are "considering a big-money move to bring Chinese full-back Zhang Linpeng to the King Power Stadium" in the summer as Claudio Ranieri wants to continue to improve the team's back field for next season's Champions League competitions.
The report also mentioned that Leicester is preparing £10 million to try and lure the 27-year-old Chinese right back for a move to England.
Zhang, who is nicknamed "Zhangmos" as he is "likened heavily" to Real Madrid team captain Sergio Ramos due to "appearance and playing style," would be a significant addition to Ranieri's side not only to defend their title in the domestic league but also to compete in the top European club continental tournament.
The Shandong, China native is set to face internal competition at his right back position from Englishman Danny Simpson if he chooses to join the Foxes next season. Simpson, 29, had been in top form in the recently concluded term as he helped anchor the team's defense to only give way 36 goals to their opponents in 38 games, the second stingiest of the season.
This is not the first time the 6-foot-1 defender was lured by a Premier League club, though. Last summer, then defending champions Chelsea FC also tried to sign him but the deal did not push through at the last minute.
"I'd love to play in the Premier League for such a prestigious club," Zhang said with regards to Leicester City's interest, as per the Sun. "I've had recognition from Chelsea, which was a proud moment for me, and of course I'd listen to a proposal from the champions."
Meanwhile, Leicester City vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said that the team is looking forward to signing a Chinese player for the upcoming season as he believes that footballers from the Far East nation "have potential".
"We will send over a scouting team to bring over 15 to 16 Chinese players for a two-year training program," he said regarding the team's plans to raid China in the future.
When it comes to possible big-name signings in the summer transfer window, Srivaddhanaprabha said that it would not be fair for their existing players "who have fought for us to become champions" if they splurge "crazy money" just to sign new ones.
