Leicester eye £2m deal for tough tackling international midfielder

Leicester City are reportedly ready to make a £2m offer for Netherlands international Nigel De Jong this month.

The surprise Premier League title contenders, who trail league leaders Arsenal by only two points, are poised to make a January move for the AC Milan midfielder as an ideal replacement for the out-of-favour Gokhan Inler.

The 31-year-old, who has 81 international caps for Holland, has made only five league appearances for the Serie A giants so far this season.

Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri is looking to recruit some invaluable midfield experience and expertise during the New Year market after losing Argentine ace Esteban Cambiasso back in the summer.

To sweeten the offer; it is thought that Leicester will include a £1m bonus for De Jong, who is also said to be interesting Bundesliga outfit Schalke, if they manage to qualify for the UEFA Champions League come the end of the current campaign.