Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly set to battle for the signature of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The 25-year-old faces an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium as he has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
A host of clubs were linked with a move for Tielemans over the summer including the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United, but the Belgium international eventually stayed put with the Foxes.
Tielemans refused to comment on his contract situation at Leicester when questioned by reporters during the international break.
"I'm not going to speak too much about my contract situation at the moment," the midfielder told Sky Sports News.
© Reuters
"I didn't leave Leicester in the summer as I always said the project had to be the right one. Just because things are getting worse now at Leicester doesn't mean I should regret [staying]."
Speculation over Tielemans's future is still rife and a number of top clubs are believed to be closely monitoring his situation, with the midfielder able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January onwards as things stand.
While the likes of Man United and Arsenal are thought to still hold an interest in Leicester's No.8, Calciomercato claims that Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus have all entered the race for his signature.
Los Blancos are believed to be targeting a new centre-midfielder in the New Year, with 37-year-old Luka Modric and 32-year-old Toni Kroos out of contract in the summer of 2023.
Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham is allegedly their top target, and the 19-year-old – who could cost in excess of £83m – would prefer a summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu over a potential move to the Premier League.
© Reuters
Liverpool are also thought to hold a strong interest in Bellingham, but they could instead swoop for a much cheaper option in the form of Tielemans if they fail to land the Englishman.
Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled with injuries in the midfield department so far this season, and although they managed to recruit Arthur Melo from Juventus on loan in the summer, the Reds are still looking to bolster their options in the middle of the pitch.
As for Juventus, Paul Pogba and Leandro Paredes were two midfielders signed by the Serie A giants over the summer, although the former has struggled with injuries since re-joining from Man United and is yet to play for the club this season.
With the long-term futures of Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot uncertain, the Turin-based outfit are believed to be contemplating a move to sign Tielemans for a cut-price fee.
Tielemans, who has recorded 25 goals and 25 assists in 167 appearances for Leicester across all competitions, played for 80 minutes in Leicester's commanding 4-0 Premier League win at home against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.
