Leicester City have again attempted to reinforce their midfield by turning to Ligue 1 and the talented players currently plying their trade in France.
According to Mohamed Bouhafsi of RMC Sport, the Foxes have submitted a bid of "13 to 14 million Euros" to Veretout's current club FC Nantes. However, Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa, Liverpool and Tottenham are also pursuing the talented Frenchman.
Plenty of potential
Veretout has managed to attract many admirers as a result of his positive performances in Ligue 2 and more recently Ligue 1 in France. Although traditionally perceived as a defensive midfielder, it is the young player's attacking abilities that have created such a fuss.
Last season Veretout contributed seven goals and seven assists in Nantes' Ligue 1 campaign, becoming the French club's top scorer in the process. After progressing through their youth academy, he was a constant in the team throughout the season and by his statistics, it is not difficult to see why.
The gifted midfielder has also been an ever-present in the French national youth teams since he was 18 and continues to produce stellar performances. Before long he could be turning out for the senior French side regularly, following in the footsteps of compatriots Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud.
Evidently, all of this combined has convinced Leicester City to submit a large bid that Nantes could be willing to reluctantly accept. This would result in the Midlands club smashing their previous transfer record (a reported £7 million paid to Brighton & Hove Albion for striker Leonardo Ulloa).
But, plenty of competition
However, it appears that the considerable money that the Foxes possess may not be enough to lure Veretout to the King Power Stadium. Many clubs have made their interest known to Nantes, with Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the mix.
Overall, it appears that the Claret and Blues' are closest to a deal for the Frenchman, with Nantes president Waldemar Kita admitting a deal is "basically agreed" in an interview with French publication L'Equipe.
This could be a huge blow to Leicester, as they are in dire need of several midfield options in order to complete a competitive squad following the departure of inspirational midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.
Elsewhere, Leicester appear unlikely to complete a deal for Hull City defender James Chester as the Englishman has all but agreed a move to West Bromwich Albion in a reported £8 million swoop.