Loic Remy to Leicester City: Chelsea 'accept £11.5m offer' for France striker

Leicester City have reportedly had a £11.5m offer accepted for Chelsea striker Loïc Rémy.

The France international is widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge before Monday’s transfer window deadline with Newcastle United among his suitors.

Premier League leaders Leicester, however, are on the look-out for a new forward after allowing Andrej Kramarić to join Hoffenheim on loan until the end of the season.

According to beIN Sports, the Foxes have turned to 29-year-old Rémy after failing with bids for Italian striker Éder, who joined Internazionale in the week, and AC Milan hitman M'Baye Niang.

Claudio Ranieri, the Leicester manager, has been unusually open about his desire to recuit a new striker as his side look to maintain their unexpected title challenge.

Rémy has scored eight goals in 28 appearances for the Blues, often from the substitutes’ bench, but has not been given the opportunity to replicate the form which saw him net 14 times while on loan at St James’ Park in 2013/14.

Ranieri is keen to take some of the responsibly off the shoulders of Jamie Vardy, the top-flight’s top goalscorer, as the East Midlanders prepare for a run of fixtures which includes meetings with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Meanwhile, new Chelsea loan signing Alexandre Pato, who confirmed his six-month switch from Corinthians last night, has spoken of his joy at joining the Premier League champions.

“I am so happy to sign for Chelsea. It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new team-mates and cannot wait to play,” the 26-year-old told the club's official website.

“I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans.”