Riccardo Sottil of Italy U21 in action during the UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifier match between Italy and Iceland at Stadio Paolo Mazza. (Getty Images)
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Leicester signing this 20-year-old sensation would get them a perfect Vardy successor

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Why Riccardo Sottil could be a smart long-term investment for Leicester

According to Fox Sports (h/t the Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are eyeing a January move for Fiorentina’s Riccardo Sottil and sent scouts to watch the forward over the weekend. Scouts from Leicester were there on Saturday to see him score in Italy Under-21’s 3-0 win over Iceland.

Riccardo Sottil, 20, has burst on to the scene this season, playing eight times in all competitions for Fiorentina, although he has drifted in and out of the first team and is still awaiting his first goal. But the 20-year-old’s goal for Italy Under-21 would have pleased the Leicester scouts.

Riccardo Sottil of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifier match between Italy and Iceland at Stadio Paolo Mazza. (Getty Images)
Riccardo Sottil of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifier match between Italy and Iceland at Stadio Paolo Mazza. (Getty Images)

Leicester have enjoyed a superb start to the season and stay in the running for a top-four finish in the Premier League. They are chasing an unlikely spot in the Champions League, with the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United underperforming so far this season.

Brendan Rodgers has done a fantastic job since arriving at the King Power Stadium, making the Foxes play an attractive, expansive brand of football. The players have responded to Rodgers’ system perfectly, with Leicester scoring 29 goals and conceding just 8 after 12 league fixtures.

In order to continue their pursuit of achieving Champions League football, Rodgers should look to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window. He must weigh his options to provide the ageing Jamie Vardy some cover and competition.

Leicester City players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Leicester City players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)

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In that regard, Sottil would be a smart long-term investment for the Foxes. A left-winger by trade, the 20-year-old has also illustrated the versatility to play on the right and as a striker. He certainly has the qualities and the Foxes could have a real gem on their hands in the years to come if the 20-year-old goes on to fulfil his potential at the King Power stadium.

Verdict

In James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, Hamza Choudhury, James Justin, Caglar Soyuncu, Harvey Barnes, Demarai Gray and Ben Chilwell, Leicester City already boast of a plethora of young talents in their first-team, and there are several others who are trying to make the transition to the senior level from the U-23s.

To that end, Sottil would be deemed as one for the future and can develop his game under a clever manager like Rodgers, who has a good track record of developing up and coming prospects in the first-team.