Andrej Kramaric: Leicester complete club record £9.5m transfer for Croatian striker in time to face Stoke

However the Foxes' switch for Wigan winger Shaun Maloney has faltered

Andrej Kramaric (Twitter/@OfficialFOXES)

Leicester City have completed the £9.5m signing of Andrej Kramarić after the Croatian international was finally handed a work permit.

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The Premier League's bottom club have been forced to endure an anxious wait for news after the 23-year-old, who has represented his country four times, initially failed to meet the Home Office's eligibility criteria to secure a visa.

Nigel Pearson's men, however, had their case officially endorsed by the FA earlier in the week after insisting that Kramarić can improve the quality of the top flight.

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The Croat, who has scored 28 goals in all competitions for HNK Rijeka this season, will wear the number 40 shirt and becomes the most expensive player in Leicester's history.

Pearson told the club's official website: "He’s an extremely talented young footballer and I’m delighted we’ve been able to finalise his signing. He is potentially a very important addition for us.

"We’ve watched Andrej for a long time so we knew we were signing a player that could add great quality to English football and I’m delighted that the relevant authorities have seen the situation the same way."

The striker, who was also chased by league leaders Chelsea this month, is available for selection for tomorrow's relegation battle with Stoke City after signing a three-and-a-half year deal.

Kramarić in fact agreed personal terms and completed a medical with the Foxes last week but has not played competitive football for 20 days.

"I am very excited to be here. I will do my best to show the fans who I am and I will try to score goals," he said.

"I chose Leicester City because I think it is the best move for my career. Leicester City is the best club for me. I like how Leicester play, I like the players, I like the stadium and I like everything here."

Shaun Maloney's move to the East Midlands has been cancelled (PA)

Meanwhile City's move for Wigan Athletic winger Shaun Maloney appears to have stalled after negotiations broke down this morning.

The Scottish midfielder was the subject to an accepted £750,000 offer from the Foxes but the two parties failed to agree terms.

"Shaun is back as my player again," Latics boss Malky Mackay told BBC Radio 5 Live this morning.

"I have spoken to him this morning personally. I'm delighted I've still got him."