Leicester City transfer news: Foxes close in on Mark Schwarzer as wages complicate swoop for Jermain Defoe

Experienced pair could give struggling Foxes a well-needed boost

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe (GETTY IMAGES)

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson remains hopeful of securing a deal to sign former England striker Jermain Defoe - despite a disagreement over wages.

The 32-year-old joined Toronto in a lucrative switch from Tottenham last winter and has been recovering from a groin injury at St George's Park following the end of the Major League Soccer season.

Hull City and Queens Park Rangers, managed by Defoe's former boss Harry Redknapp, are continuing to monitor the situation but the Leicester hierarchy have been enthused by their progress in recent days.

Pearson's men have only won three top flight fixtures since lifting the Championship title back in May and have slipped to the foot of the Premier League table.

Despite Leo Ulloa's goals, Leicester have struggled to find the back of the net (Getty Images)

Four points in two matches, however, secured against Hull and Liverpool, give the Foxes hope of joining just West Brom and Sunderland on the short list of sides to survive after being bottom at Christmas.

Despite record signing Leonardo Ulloa notching eight goals in all competitions this season, scoring remains a major reason for City's slump in form.

With chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha reportedly willing to support Pearson in the transfer market, after sacking director of football Terry Robinson last month, it remains to be seen whether the East Midlanders can afford Defoe's services.

Defoe scores against Leicester in 2004 (Getty)

The former Portsmouth forward has scored 19 goals for England and would represent a massive coup but his speculated £75,000-per-week wages could prove too much.

One deal which appears more of a formality involves Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. Ben Hamer, signed from Charlton Athletic in the summer, was called upon over the festive period after Kasper Schmeichel broke a metatarsal bone in December.

The 42-year-old former Fulham shot-stopper, however, offers more top flight experience and will arrive at the King Power Stadium on a free transfer until the end of the season.

Mark Schwarzer appears to be heading for Leicester (GETTY IMAGES)

After Esteban Cambiasso joined Danny Drinkwater, Dean Hammond and Andy King on the treatment table, Pearson may be in the market for a central midfielder too with only Matty James currently available for selection.

When asked if he would like to share his plans for the January window after the 1-0 victory over Newcastle, Pearson simply replied: "No."