Jamie Vardy: Leicester City will send out signal of intent with new deal for England striker

This afternoon's reports come as the Foxes prepare for a potentially season defining trio of matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal

Jamie Vardy is the Premier League's leading goalscorer with 16 to his name (Getty)

Leicester City appear set to deliver their Premier League rivals with an irrefutable signal of intent if reports emerging this afternoon suggesting that Jamie Vardy will sign a new three-year contract prove to be true.

The 29-year-old has been in talks with the Foxes hierarchy since before Christmas with Claudio Ranieri’s side not only maintaining their unlikely title bid but strengthening their advantage at the top of the table to three points.

The Guardian published an exclusive on Tuesday afternoon suggesting Vardy, who is currently believed to be on £45,000-a-week, will receive a significant salary-hike as Leicester look to cement their place among the elite of English football.

The reports come as Ranieri prepares for a potentially season defining trio of matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal - all of whom have been linked with the former Fleetwood Town striker in the previous month. Vardy, now a full England international destined to be in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the European Championship this summer, only agreed new terms at the King Power Stadium 16 months ago but his stock in the game has since risen at an unforeseen pace.

After becoming the first player to ever score in 11 consecutive Premier League matches, breaking a record previously achieved by former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Stocksbridge Steels man has thus far eclipsed all rivals in the top flight scoring stakes.

Vardy has previously hinted towards his desire to stay in the East Midlands as Leicester forge a path towards Champions League qualification, representing possibly the most remarkable metamorphosis in recent times. Under Nigel Pearson, before executing a masterstroke in escapology last term, the Foxes were rooted to the bottom of the table just 12 months ago.