Leicester City have agreed a deal to sign Sevilla captain Vincente Iborra the Spanish club have announced. The midfielder is now set to fly to the East Midlands to negotiate personal terms and complete a medical.
The Spanish outfit revealed on their official website on Tuesday morning that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs. Iborra will join Craig Shakespeare's men for a reported £10.5m.
Surprise transfer
The announcement comes after speculation in the Spanish media that Iborra was close edging closer to a switch to the King Power Stadium with some sources even suggesting the transfer could be completed 'in a few hours'.
The 29-year-old was reportedly the subject of interest from the likes of Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Watford. The former even agreed a fee for Iborra last season but the plug was pulled on the deal at the last minute by Sevilla, with the Spaniards instead electing to keep their captain.
However, the Foxes have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals by agreeing a deal for the midfielder.
Pedigree
If the transfer is completed as expected, Iborra will arrive at the King Power Stadium with plenty of experience and pedigree. Having joined Sevilla in 2013 from Levante, he has made 172 appearances and scored 30 goals. He was a key part of the side that lifted three UEFA Europa League titles.
Iborra is adept at playing in all positions in the midfield and can even be utilised as an emergency centre-forward as a result of his big build and aerial prowess.
He will have plenty of competition though in the East Midlands. Danny Drinkwater and Wilfred N'Didi were the starting duo in the Foxes' team, with Andy King, Daniel Amartey, Matty James, Nampalys Mendy, Harvey Barnes all waiting in the wings.
The Spaniard will become the Foxes' second summer signing following the acquisition of Harry Maguire from Hull City.