Leicester have jumped ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham in the race for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
The Daily Star says the Foxes are increasingly confident of securing a £30m summer deal for Soumare, 22, after more than a year tracking his impressive rise.
That optimism comes despite strong interest in the Frenchman from Premier League top four rivals Man Utd and Spurs.
France Under 21 international Soumare has been dubbed the next Paul Pogba across the channel following his powerful box-to-box displays for Ligue 1 title chasers Lille.
But while that has attracted the attention of clubs across Europe, Brendan Rodgers's Midlands outfit are in pole position to win the transfer scrap for Soumare, who has 15 months left on his Lille contract.
