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Leicester City have learned that Nampalys Mendy would like to leave the club after the player spoke publicly about his transfer wishes.

Mendy has been a Leicester player since 2016, the same summer they sold N’Golo Kante. He has not lived up to the reputation of his predecessor, though. Indeed, Mendy only made four appearances in his debut Premier League season.

Injuries were partially to blame, so he went on loan back to former club Nice for the 2017-18 season to build his form back up. Since then, he has experienced highs and lows back at the King Power Stadium.

Mendy made 32 appearances in all competitions for Leicester in 2018-19, but only eight the year after. Even so, he was awarded a contract extension in the summer of 2020.

Subsequently, last season he was more prominent again, featuring 29 times.

But he is currently sidelined with a groin injury. Prior to picking up that issue he was yet to feature in the Premier League this season. Now, he has cast his long-term Leicester future into fresh doubt.

His current contract runs until 2023. Therefore, next year will be a critical one in determining whether he remains in the East Midlands or not.

Mendy has now given a clear indication that he will not be sticking around if he gets his way.

He said to the Senegalese media (via Sport Witness): “In club, it’s normal, it’s logical, I’d like to leave. I hope it will get done, but I need to be patient.”

There are no signs yet as to who might be willing to take Mendy from Leicester.

He was linked with a move to Turkey in September, when their transfer window was still open. But potential suitors Galatasaray could not complete a deal in time.

Leicester to lose another midfielder?

Losing a player who has not featured in the league this season would not seem like too big a blow for Leicester.

But in the context of other interest in different players from their squad in the same position, the quotes could come as cause for concern.

Last week, it was revealed that Real Madrid are interested in Foxes midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who is very much a key man under Brendan Rodgers.

Ndidi has impressed for Leicester since joining them in January 2017. He has regularly looked like someone capable of following the Kante path of stepping up to a more traditional big club.

Leicester’s performances over the past couple of seasons have shown they can compete near the top too. But they must be realistic when realising the power of some of the clubs who could deprive them of their talent.

It is something they have had to get used to over the years when waving goodbye to the likes of Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire.

Now, Ndidi could be the next after Real identified him as a possible midfield reinforcement. According to Fichajes, Los Blancos are eyeing him for 2022.

There are some concerns in the Spanish capital about current midfield anchor Casemiro. They are looking for a long-term successor and 24-year-old Ndidi could be a solution.

The Nigeria international would be a big loss for Leicester, even if his teammate Mendy wouldn’t necessarily be.

READ MORE: Serie A star’s remarkable rise sparks Leicester transfer tussle with Euro elite

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