“Leicester City SHOCKER: Ebere Eze’s Explosive Move Could CRUSH Crystal Palace’s Desperate Chase for Foxes’ Superstar!”

Speculation continues to mount over the future of Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss as the transfer window edges towards its conclusion.

With just weeks left until the deadline, the 21-year-old remains one of the most talked-about names in the Championship.

El Khannouss joined Leicester City last summer and quickly became one of their standout performers during a difficult season that ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League.

Despite the team’s struggles, his quality shone through as he contributed two goals and three assists across 32 appearances in the top flight.

His performances have ensured that interest in his services has not diminished, and a return to the Premier League could well be on the cards before the 1 September cut-off.

Crystal Palace’s interest – the Eberechi Eze factor

Former scout Mick Brown believes Crystal Palace will make a serious move for El Khannouss if their star man, Eberechi Eze, departs Selhurst Park this summer.

Eze has been strongly linked with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and Palace are reportedly preparing contingencies in case he leaves.

Brown has also suggested that Leeds United could be another potential destination for El Khannouss, underlining that this transfer saga may run until the very final hours of the window.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown praised the Moroccan’s impact:

“He was one of Leicester’s shining lights last season in the Premier League. He’s a very intelligent player with the ability to step up to a bigger club.

He isn’t letting speculation get to him either. He started Leicester’s opening game of the season and provided two assists, showing his professionalism.

“There’s real competition for him. Leeds are very keen and monitoring the situation closely. If Eze does leave Palace, El Khannouss is one of the names they’d likely turn to as a replacement.

Leicester, though, face an uphill battle to keep him, particularly if top-flight sides put in offers. He’s definitely a player to watch closely before deadline day.”

Leicester’s stance and the release clause twist

Reports indicate that El Khannouss’ £30 million release clause expired earlier this summer, giving Leicester slightly more control in potential negotiations. However, that has not deterred suitors.

Reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that Crystal Palace have already made an approach to Leicester about the midfielder.

While no official bid has yet been lodged, the London club’s interest is concrete.

El Khannouss remains under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2028, which theoretically strengthens Leicester’s hand.

Nevertheless, financial challenges at the club mean that the hierarchy may be open to cashing in if a significant offer arrives.

What a departure would mean for Leicester

Losing El Khannouss would undoubtedly be a blow for Leicester. With Martí Cifuentes hoping to lead the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, the Moroccan could be instrumental in driving their promotion push.

His creativity and vision in midfield are assets that cannot be easily replaced.

At the same time, the expiry of his release clause provides Leicester with greater negotiating leverage, potentially enabling them to command a higher fee than they might have received earlier in the summer.

Given their financial constraints, such income could prove vital in stabilising the club and reinvesting in the squad.

Ultimately, Leicester find themselves in a delicate position: retaining a player who could spearhead their promotion challenge versus cashing in on one of their most valuable assets.

With Eze’s future at Palace also unresolved, the domino effect in the market could determine whether El Khannouss stays in the Championship or makes a swift return to the Premier League.