Leicester City transfer news: Foxes sign Nampalys Mendy from Nice on four-year contract

The Frenchman is Leicester's third signing of the summer so far as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season

Nampalys Mendy helped Nice to a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 (Getty)

Premier League champions Leicester City have signed French midfielder Nampalys Mendy from Nice on a four-year contract.

Although the fee remains undisclosed, the Leicester Mercury is reporting that the deal is worth around £13m. This would break the previous club transfer record set by Leonardo Ulloa who joined the Foxes from Brighton for £8m.

Mendy is Leicester’s third signing of the summer following the arrival of goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler from Hannover and central defender Luis Hernandez from Sporting Gijon.

The French midfielder started his career at Monaco under current Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, before moving to Nice three years ago.

Speaking to LCFC.com, Mendy said: “I am very happy to come to Leicester City.

“The team have just enjoyed a great season and it’s excellent to be here. For me I want to play at this level. I like the Premier League and I follow every match.

“It’s fast and physical and I want to impose myself on the league. I know the coach (Claudio Ranieri), I know his mentality and I know his philosophy. When he speaks it’s direct and clear and for me I like this."

The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in France after he helped guide Nice to an impressive fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.

The midfielder has been likened to Leicester's N'Golo Kante (Getty)

Mendy has made a total of 200 appearances for the Ligue 1 side across the past three seasons and has seen them rise from 17^th to 11^th to fourth over the three year period.

His performances helped earn him a call-up to France's Under-21s side for whom he’s made five times but he has yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

Although the Frenchman has been likened to Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, the Foxes have been tracking the player for some time now and according to the Leicester Mercury he is not viewed as a replacement.

Nonetheless, it seems likely that the 24-year-old would provide effective cover were Kante to make the move away from the King Power Stadium this summer.