“Leicester City BRACED for INSANE £22M Midfielder BIDDING WAR as Transfer Window IGNITES!”

Aston Villa have emerged as one of the clubs reportedly interested in Leicester City’s promising young midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as the summer transfer window approaches.

Despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League this season, El Khannouss has stood out in what has been his debut year in English football.

The 20-year-old Moroccan international, who will turn 21 later this month, joined Leicester from Belgian side Genk last summer, shortly after the Foxes secured promotion by winning the Championship.

He’s already earned 20 caps for Morocco and played a vital role for his national side at the 2024 Olympic Games, where they secured a third-place finish.

El Khannouss contributed a goal and two assists across five appearances during the tournament.

In a Leicester side that has often struggled for goals and consistency—first under Steve Cooper and now under Ruud van Nistelrooy—El Khannouss has been a rare bright spot.

He’s contributed three goals and six assists, including a match-winning strike against Tottenham Hotspur and another standout performance in Van Nistelrooy’s first victory, a home win over West Ham United.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Villa reportedly joined by Newcastle United, Fulham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

While there is speculation about a potential departure, sources close to El Khannouss suggest he prefers to remain in the Premier League, a factor that has attracted significant interest from top-flight clubs.

Back in December, following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, El Khannouss revealed a brief but meaningful exchange with Pep Guardiola.

Speaking to Belgian media, he said: “He [Guardiola] told me he was impressed with how I played.

I’m not surprised. I know my potential. I just need to show it consistently every week.”

Reports indicate that Leicester have placed a £22 million valuation on El Khannouss, anticipating a wave of player departures following their return to the Championship.

The club has already confirmed the departure of veteran striker Jamie Vardy.

Meanwhile, Villa are preparing for their own summer reshuffle. Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are set to return to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loan deals.

Decisions also await on the futures of returning loanees like Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia.

Additionally, players such as Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins continue to be linked with possible moves away.