Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers says he is open to Andy King staying beyond the summer, Leicestershire Live report.
The Wales international joined Derby County on a six-month loan deal in January. So far, injuries have prevented him from making much of an impact at Pride Park.
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Andy King fell out of favour under former Leicester boss Claude Puel, despite being a club icon. King is Leicester’s longest-serving player, featuring for the club in League One, Championship and the Premier League.
Puel’s sacking could open the door to a return at the Foxes. Speaking to Leicestershire Live, Rodgers admits he needs to sit down with the midfielder over the summer but hasn’t ruled anything out.
“He [Andy King] is still a young guy and there is no reason why he can’t (play for Leicester again). Ultimately for players it is about game time. They want to play, and he is at an age where he will want to play. If we can offer him that then great. If not then he may think of going somewhere else, but at this moment in time he is injured and it is difficult for me to say too much at the moment.”
Should Derby County make a move for Andy King this summer?
King’s contract at Leicester expires in the summer of 2020, so he could be available for a snip price this summer. Having said that, Derby should set their sights elsewhere as their priorities start to change.
The Rams will need to rebuild their squad this summer with so many players set to depart. Midfielders Bradley Johnson, Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield are all out of contract at the end of the season.
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Mason Mount will be returning to parent club Chelsea, leaving Derby very short in the midfield area. Manager Frank Lampard will need to go out and sign at least two new players there, but he should consider younger players with potential rather than experienced pros seeking a higher wage packet.
King, 30, has made four Championship appearances for Derby this term. In his brief outings, however, he has struggled with the pace and direction in which Lampard wants his side to play.
Also see: Jayden Bogle’s recent form shows why Derby County must resist top-flight interest