The former Manchester City coach needs a replacement for Youri Tielemans who left for Aston Villa on a Bosman free at the end of the season.

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Maresca has identified PSG‘s 18-year-old defensive midfielder Kari as a player with huge potential and is open to a loan deal with a view to a permanent signing.

However the Foxes face competition from Premier League Everton who are also keen on the £5million-rated youngster.

The French youth international was voted PSG’s youth player of the year two years ago when he attracted attention and was targeted by Bayern Munich.

However, PSG held on to Kari, who spent the end of last season on loan at FC Lorient where he clocked up five appearances.

Lorient want him to return on loan this season, with a clause to buy for €5million (nearly £4.3m).

But Leicester and Everton have made their interest known to PSG.

Maresca hopes to convince Kari that he stands a better chance of regular first team football in the Championship with his promotion-seeking Foxes than with Everton in the Premier League.

Reports in France say Lorient have stolen a march on their English counterparts.

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But Leicester have opened dialogue with PSG and Maresca wants permission to speak to Kari this week.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could be favourites to nab Foxes’ playmaker James Maddison.

It’s claimed Newcastle’s interest in the three-cap Englishman, 26, is cooling.

Leicester would love to get £50m for their star man.

But he only has a year left on his contract so around £40m might be the best they can realistically hope for.

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