While Leicester City continue to wait on the signing of Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, it has been revealed that the protracted image right court case is responsible for the delay in the move.
Leicester are ready to complete the move for the 20-year-old Nigeria international, having agreed a £25million fee almost four weeks ago.
The club is still waiting for the result of a legal dispute between Iheanacho’s former and current agents surrounding the striker’s image rights.
It is understood this legal battle will have no impact on Leicester eventually completing the deal, only to prolong the delay.
Leicester are hopeful they will sign Iheanacho before the end of pre-season.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed earlier this month that Iheanacho was due to leave Manchester “in 10 days”, with Leicester the expected destination.
Those 10 days have now passed, but Guardiola said over the weekend that he still expects the move to go ahead.
“I think Kelechi leaves us in favour of Leicester” he said. “I think so, but I do not want to say anything wrong either.
“We will see. If that does not happen, he will be part of the group.”
City boss Craig Shakespeare has also confirmed that he is still hopeful of completing the deal but admits he has been “frustrated” by the transfer window.
Leicester have completed the signings of Harry Maguire, Vicente Iborra and Eldin Jakupovic, but are still trying to bring in two or three more, including another centre-back.
City have already had a £10m bid rejected for West Brom captain Jonny Evans.
“I’m hoping so, but I am like every other manager at the moment. I think we all find it frustrating but it is the current market.
“You saw with the Harry Maguire one, we got that done quickly – when he is in the door we can announce it.”