Islam Slimani to Leicester City: Premier League champions confirm club-record £28m signing from Sporting Lisbon

Claudio Ranieri's side, however, appear set to miss out on Sporting team-mate Adrien Silva

Islam Slimani is the most expensive player in Leicester's history (Getty)

Premier League champions Leicester City have finally confirmed the club-record signing of Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani for a fee reported to be in the region of £28m.

The 28-year-old, who signs a five-year contract, was given permission by the Algerian FA to fly to Italy to undergo a medical on Wednesday after scoring 27 goals last term as the Portuguese club finished as runners-up in the Primeira Liga.

Upon joining the East Midlands club, he said: "To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down."

The Foxes have also strived to secure a deal to sign Slimani’s club team-mate Adrien Silva, a vital part of the Portugal side who won Euro 2016 last month, but negotiations appear to have stalled with Sporting being unable to secure a replacement in time.

Slimani will now unite with fellow Algeria international Riyad Mahrez, the PFA Player of the Year, at the King Power Stadium.

Former Switzerland captain Gökhan İnler, meanwhile, has joined Beşiktaş on a three-year contract after falling down the pecking order, making just give appearances last term as Leicester won the Premier League title.