Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom from Ajax ahead of the January transfer deadline, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Caughtoffside, the Foxes are preparing documents to bring the forward—who has previously committed to Nigeria internationally—to the King Power Stadium.

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Leicester City faces competition from LOSC Lille, Sunderland and two other clubs who are vying to bolster their squad with the signature of the 29-year-old forward.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that if the deal is completed swiftly, Akpom could be available for Leicester’s weekend clash against Everton.

Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is under increasing pressure following Leicester’s poor form since his appointment, with just two wins, one draw, and seven defeats in his last 10 games.

Akpom, who has netted 137 goals and provided 33 assists in 434 career appearances, could be the striker to help ease the pressure on the former Manchester United forward with his goal-scoring prowess.

The former Middlesbrough man has struggled for regular game time at Ajax, scoring 23 goals in 67 appearances—eight of them coming this season—while competing for a starting spot with ex-Besiktas forward Wout Weghorst.

A return to English football could help revive Akpom’s form with more playing time under Van Nistelrooy. However, he would still face competition from Leicester’s long-serving striker Jamie Vardy, who remains a key figure in the squad.